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Diamond Bar, Calif.-March 15, 2000: Ebus, Inc., of Downey, Calif. unveiled its first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) at an Alternative Fuel and Electric Transit Bus Workshop hosted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). Many of the government, environmental and transit agency managers attending the conference took the opportunity to ride and ask questions about the hybrid bus. The Ebus HEV is a 22-foot long replica of an old-fashioned trolley car. It features an all-electric drive train with a small pack of liquid-cooled NiCad rechargeable batteries. An ultra-low-emission Capstone MicroTurbine system generates electric power to run the vehicle and also acts as an on-board battery charger. Battery-only buses and shuttles are limited in mass transportation since they go out of service every few hours for recharging or battery swap-outs. Like battery-only buses, MicroTurbine-powered hybrids are clean, quiet and vibration-free. But the MicroTurbine -- a new power generation technology -- enables such vehicles to run a full service day without recharging stops. At night, they are plugged in and are slowly recharged at low-cost, off-peak electricity rates. Ebus is a recently formed electric-bus manufacturer, and current production models include 22-foot Transit Buses and Trolley Replicas with either all-electric or hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Both vehicles are low-floor platforms, have space for 22 seated passengers, are completely ADA compliant, and are fitted with anti-lock brakes, all as standard equipment. A battery management and cooling system designed to facilitate fast/opportunity charging is available as an option, as well as a wide range of accessories and configurations. Ebus is currently finalizing the design for a new 30-foot electric and hybrid-electric bus, which will be available in mid 2000. "Ebus has created the ultimate in 'high tech/high touch' by integrating advanced MicroTurbine technology into an old fashioned platform," said William G. Webster, Jr., president of Ebus. "Everyone loves the electric trolleys," continued Webster, "but the limited operating range of an all-electric solution can eliminate many opportunities for use in public transportation. The onboard MicroTurbine allows us to offer a clean and quiet ride without concerns about range and opens the market to all communities interested in efficient, environmentally-friendly transit solutions." MicroTurbine Technology....... MicroTurbines are a new type of power generation technology characterized by extremely low nitrogen oxide emissions (the primary component of smog). The Capstone MicroTurbine has a single moving part, is air-cooled and uses the company's patented air bearings, eliminating any need for lubricants, coolants and their related systems. These aspects minimize anticipated maintenance needs and maximize uptime. The Capstone MicroTurbine Model 330, rated at 30 kilowatts, is well-suited to both vehicular and stationary applications, generating less than 9 parts per million of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Diesel generators emit smog-producing NOx at rates more than 200 times higher. The company's vehicular models are EPA approved. Natural gas and propane powered Capstone MicroTurbines used in stationary power generation applications are UL-listed. About Ebus, Inc........ Ebus is a recently formed electric-bus manufacturer headquartered in Downey, California. Current production models include 22-foot transit buses, shuttle buses and trolley replicas with all-electric or hybrid electric propulsion systems. All classes of vehicle are completely ADA compliant with low-floor platforms and space for 22-seated passengers. Anti-lock brakes are standard equipment. A battery management and cooling system designed to facilitate fast/opportunity charging is available as an option, as well as a wide range of accessories and configurations. Ebus has built buses for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and is currently producing the next generation of electric shuttle buses for the city of Santa Barbara, California. Digital photos and video are available upon request. For more information, visit the Ebus Website at: www.ebus.com. Ebus, Inc. is located at 9250 Washburn Rd., Downey, Calif. 90242. (562) 904-3474 About Capstone Turbine Corporation....... Headquartered in Woodland Hills, Calif., Capstone Turbine Corporation (www.capstoneturbine.com) is the world's leading manufacturer of commercial, ultra-low-emission MicroTurbine power systems. Capstone's air-cooled design and patented air bearing technology eliminate the high maintenance costs and downtime of traditional power generators. Compact Capstone MicroTurbines add power capacity, manage power loads, offer highly efficient combined heat-and-power (cogeneration) solutions and provide on-site power in remote locations. Commercial units began shipping in December 1998. Capstone is also the first to manufacture MicroTurbines for large hybrid-electric vehicles. Capstone MicroTurbine-powered hybrid electric buses have the environmental benefits of all-electric vehicles, plus significantly increased operating range, robust acceleration, reduced maintenance requirements, and more power for increased ridership and creature comforts like air conditioning and heating. Digital photos and video available upon request. |
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