BAE Systems will supply electric drive systems for 42 new hybrid-electric buses joining the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) fleet. The company’s Gen3 electric drive systems will be integrated into New Flyer buses, continuing a technology partnership with SFMTA that began in 2007.
“BAE Systems’ Gen3 system will help the SFMTA achieve its goals by providing dependable, zero-emission capable technology,” said Bob Lamanna, vice president and general manager of Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems. “Hybrid buses equipped with our technology will deliver immediate benefits, such as reducing emissions and improving air quality, while advancing San Francisco toward a zero-emission transit system.”
The Gen3 system features a traction motor, onboard energy storage, and power electronics that create an integrated electric propulsion system. Design improvements include a reduced number of components, connections, and cables, which aims to increase reliability and simplify maintenance.
The technology offers features such as engine start-stop capability and geofencing that automatically switches to full electric mode in designated areas without requiring grid-connected charging.
BAE Systems has developed and integrated electric propulsion systems for nearly 30 years, with approximately 19,000 systems operating on transit buses worldwide. These include hybrid-electric, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell applications. The company develops and services its electric propulsion technology at facilities in Endicott, New York and Rochester, UK.
The new buses will help SFMTA reduce fuel consumption and emissions while working toward long-term environmental goals. The Gen3 system incorporates advanced materials like silicon carbide to maximize electrical efficiency within a lightweight, compact design.
