The hybrid buses, meaning they include a diesel engine coupled with a generator and electric motor, have rooftop batteries capable of producing up to 31.8-kilowatts. The 35-foot ADA low-floor energy efficient buses will initially be deployed within Central Maui and can carry up to 40 passengers. Maui County photo

The Maui News

Six new GILLIG BAE hybrid electric buses were unveiled last week by the county Department of Transportation to take another step toward reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions and noise.

The 35-foot ADA low-floor energy efficient buses will initially be deployed within Central Maui and can carry up to 40 passengers.

The hybrid buses, meaning they include a diesel engine coupled with a generator and electric motor, have rooftop batteries capable of producing up to 31.8-kilowatts, according to a news release.

“These hybrid buses represent an investment in protecting the environment and improving the health and quality of life of our residents,” Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said. “With improved fuel efficiency, we save money and reduce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change.”

Manufactured by GILLIG in Livermore, Calif., the system is powered by a six-cylinder, clean diesel engine, an electrical drive unit, controller module, power processor and energy storage system.

Each bus is equipped with a start/stop mode that will allow the diesel generator to power off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop allowing it to run on pure electric.

When accelerating, the internal electric motor assists the diesel engine. During coasting and braking, the motor serves as a generator, converting vehicle momentum into electrical energy that is stored in the energy storage system. This helps slow the vehicle and minimize brake wear, as well as allowing the braking energy to be reused later, according to the news release.

With these technologies, green zones can be set up along the bus routes where the buses will have the capability to run on full electric mode, the county said.

Other features of the 2022 GILLIG BAE Hybrid Electric BRT bus include efficiently converting fuel into propulsion energy and reducing energy consumption, emissions and noise; and having a new wheelchair tie-down system called the “Q’Pod,” which will assist drivers and cut down time to secure chairs to less than one minute.

Maui County has a 20 percent cost share with the Federal Transportation Administration, according to the news release.

For information about the Maui Bus, including its fixed routes and ADA paratransit program, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/125/Department-of-Transportation or call (808) 270-7511.