A provider of specialized transportation has taken a green approach to its service offerings. Massachusetts-based Kiessling Transit is doubling the size of its hybrid transit fleet with the announcement that it is retrofitting 32 of its buses with the Lightning Hybrids’ Energy Recovery System (ERS). That follows a rollout last year of 35 vehicles with the technology.
“We are the only private transit fleet in Massachusetts running hybrid buses that do not pollute the air the way diesel and gasoline buses do,” says Roger Kiessling, COO of the family-owned fleet. “Our company is focused on providing the most efficient, reliable, environmentally friendly transportation to the New England area, and this innovative fuel-saving, emissions-reducing system supports our goal to be a green fleet.”
The fleet contracts with regional transit authorities, state agencies and local municipalities to transport passengers throughout Massachusetts. Typical runs include daily trips to and from residences, work sites, schools, medical appointments, and social events for ambulatory and non-ambulatory customers with a range of disabilities.
Lightning Hybrid’s ERS is a parallel hydraulic hybrid system that has no electric batteries, the company explains. The hydraulic system tied to the driveline regenerates braking energy. Hydraulic pumps and a lightweight accumulator brake the vehicle, store the energy, and then use that stored energy to provide power to the wheels.
According to Lightning Hybrids, the ERS system produces a 25% fuel efficiency improvement and reduces tailpipe emissions. While Kiessling is using the system on a passenger transport, it is available for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses as well.
The fleet, based in Norfolk, MA, conducted a pilot test of the system in 2013. Kiessling is using a Commonwealth of Massachusetts grant to cover 80% of the cost of the system for the 32 retrofits, which will be installed on the company’s Ford E-450 passenger buses.
Kiessling’s ERS-equipped vehicles are approaching 1 million mi. of on-road use.
Lightning Hybrids notes that fleets utilizing ERS typically see longer brake life, improved low-end torque, and lower maintenance and operational costs. “Kiessling Transit is an innovator and an early adopter of green technologies,” says Tim Reeser, president and co-founder, Lightning Hybrids.
“This new order demonstrates Kiessling’s commitment to sustainability by using a system that is more efficient and better for the environment.”
“The ERS technology is a much-needed addition to the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle market,” Glen Perlman, president, National Fleet Hybrids, says. “It addresses the main concerns of our customers, who are managing fuel costs and addressing clean air standards.”
