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Knoxville has explored the possible use of alternative fuels for several years and in June of this year released the request for bids to accommodate a downtown service utilizing trolleys with hybrid-electric technology. This contract represents the first contract for Ebus in the state of Tennessee and the company is very pleased to offer these vehicles to the Knoxville Area Transit Authority (KAT) as part of their continuing efforts to implement clean fuels into the city’s transit program. Barry Greenberg, Director of Maintenance for KAT has served as the Project Manager for this project is now anxiously awaiting the arrival of these Propane-Hybrid Trolley’s, which will be delivered prior to the holiday season this fall. Mr. Greenberg recommended the hybrid-electric technology fueled by Propane to the city as the best technology and fuel source currently available for the East Tennessee area. The state of Tennessee recently signed onto the EPA program designed to assist MSA areas in the state in reducing emissions from both mobile and non-mobile sources. The Early Action Compact is designed to help areas avoid being designated a non-attainment area. The City of Knoxville has embraced this effort and recently introduced a small fleet of propane vans into service provided on the campus of The University of Tennessee. The implementation of the four Propane-Hybrid Trolleys will add to KAT’s commitment to clean fuels that provide reduced mobile source emissions, as well as a significant reduction in noise pollution for the citizens and visitors of this popular East Tennessee city. The Ebus 22-foot, 22 seated passenger trolleys employ a series hybrid-electric drive train powered by a propane fueled Capstone MicroTurbine™. With a series hybrid-electric trolley, the trolley is driven by an electric motor, which receives its electricity from a battery pack. The batteries in turn are recharged as needed by an “on-board” auxiliary power unit (APU). The Capstone MicroTurbine™ has the least emissions of any engine in production today with a noise level that is almost undistinguishable. This combination of technology will provide a trolley that travels throughout the downtown area with minimal contribution to ambient noise and environmental pollution.
“KAT is very pleased to be acquiring
Ebus hybrid-electric trolleys for the downtown shuttle system,” says Mark Hairr,
KAT General Manager. “These vehicles are a part of KAT’s overall Clean Fuels
Program, which helps contribute to improved air quality in the region.” Ebus, Inc., located in Downey, CA is the nation’s largest manufacturer of battery powered and Capstone powered hybrid-electric transit vehicles available in three body styles including transit bus, vintage trolley and shuttle. Digital photos and video available upon request. |
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