Although they’re not as appetizing as cars, buses or any other public transport system are mostly ec0-friendlier than an average car, even if their consumption reaches enormous figures (compared to a small automobile).
RATP, the company owning the public transportation in Paris, has thought of a next step in making their buses “greener”. They installed ultracapacitors onboard their already working hybrid buses, testing them as an alternative to batteries. It remains to be seen in real conditions how the ultracapacitors will behave, and what are their weaknesses and strengths compared to classic Li-Ion batteries.
Until now, they say using the new power storage got them a 20 to 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
Ultracapacitors have huge charging possibilities, with rapid charging/discharging times, fact that makes them a powerful candidate for vehicle use.
#1 by Motorhomes , Used RV on September 10, 2010 - 7:42 am
By using hybrid vehicles we can save fuel. In Retrofits Hybrid Buses they say using the new power storage got them a 20 to 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption which very helpful for controlling pollution.
#2 by Joe on February 12, 2011 - 10:55 pm
I have always been into more of the battery technologies and had not read much about the ultracapacitors at all. I searched and found more at the link below and found out there’s some pretty cool opportunities here.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/4252623
Great technologies. Can’t wait to see combinations of the most efficient models.
#3 by Taylor on June 6, 2011 - 10:34 pm
There are a few U.S. cities that are working on an all electric bus model, good for 180 miles of travel at in city bus speeds and stop and go type traffic.
All of these advances in tech are slowly leading to a better approach to providing power to these types of vehicles which is good for all of us in so many ways
#4 by Roger on June 29, 2011 - 11:19 pm
I am so pleased to read that more green solutions are being implemented in transportation — good news for everyone!
#5 by Gordon McInnes on September 19, 2011 - 10:00 am
I don’t know why Paris is taking half measures by going with ultracapacitors. Why not go full out and install flux capacitors? Those would be the most popular busses in the world and you’d be assured that you’ll never be late for work!