Eaton Corporation announced that customers of its hybrid systems have collectively accumulated more than 160 million kilometers of service, reducing fuel consumption by 15 million liters of diesel fuel and harmful emissions by 40,000 metric tons. Most recently, Eaton introduced its hybrid electric system into the Indian city bus market with debut on the Tata Motors used for transporting special foreign delegates during the Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Tata Motors jointly operated these four buses with the Delhi Transport Corporation on specific routes during the games.
Eaton worked with Tata to specially design the system for buses that run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The hybrid system combines a 5.9-litre Cummins CNG engine rated at 230bhp with an electric motor that has a peak power output of 44 kw. Eaton matches the system to an automated six-speed Eaton transmission and stores energy in four lithium-ion batteries that are mounted under the seats. Additionally, Eaton equips the buses with its unique start-stop technology that automatically switches off the engine when the bus is stationary and turns it back on when power is needed. This system dramatically reduces emissions, especially at bus stops.
Krishnakumar Srinivasan, managing director – Eaton Truck Division in India said, "Tata is an innovative leader in the Indian bus market and is making important progress in reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Eaton is well positioned to deliver effective power management technologies that help our customers control costs and reduce their energy requirements. Hybrid-powered buses have the potential to impact environmental sustainability in a very big way. We’ve seen many positive results from customers in North America, Europe and Asia, and we hope that today’s debut will lead to greater acceptance of hybrid technology throughout all of India."
