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.