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Hybrid school buses to cut emissions in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin fleet will be using IC Buses from Navistar affiliate IC Corporation

It’s back to school this week in Wisconsin, where a fleet of 11 plug-in hybrid school buses are to start service in Oconomowoc, in the southeast of the state.

The Oconomowoc Transport Company’s new buses are expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30 to 40% compared to standard diesel buses.

Supplied by IC Corporation, an affiliate of Navistar International based in Warrenville, Illinois, the vehicles will have a battery-powered system working in tandem with standard diesel engines.

It will mean saving on fuel costs with an anticipated doubling in fuel efficiency, as well as maintenance costs thanks to a reduction in wear and tear.

A solar recharging station has been installed at the company’s bus terminal to generate around 60,000 kilowatt-hours of energy a year to charge up the bus batteries.

The facility was designed and installed by Waukesha-based Renewable Energy Solutions and Oconomowoc firm MSI General Corporation.

“Cleaning our air”

“Hybrid electric school buses are helping our school districts save money while reducing energy use
and cleaning our air,” Governor Jim Doyle said. “Through this effort, Wisconsin is continuing to lead the
nation toward a clean energy future.”

While a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Oconomowoc terminal last week, a ground-breaking ceremony was being held at the Riteway Bus Service facility where a similar solar recharging station is to be built.

The Riteway Bus Service is to gain a fleet of 13 plug-in hybrid school buses.

All 24 IC Buses and the two solar recharging stations have been part-funded by a $3.6 million award from the Wisconsin Clean Transportation Program, part of the state’s Recovery Act program.