GM to Test Diesel-Electric Bus in New York

General Motors Corp. is developing a fuel-efficient diesel-electric bus it will test on New York commuters early next year. The bus, GM says, could save transit fleets millions of dollars in fuel while also reducing pollution.

The combination diesel-electric powertrain is expected to cut fuel consumption by 40%. GM is applying the so-called hybrid technology to a commercial vehicle first because it considers that a more logical and potentially profitable use than in passenger cars.

GM plans to reveal details of the bus program during the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show this week.

The world’s largest auto maker introduced its futuristic EV1 electric car at the same show three years ago. Despite the hoopla surrounding the EV1, demand has been weak, in large part because the car has a limited range before its batteries need recharging at special electricity stations.

Hybrid engine technology involves combining two fuel systems to power a vehicle, typically electricity and fossil fuel. In the case of GM’s bus, the wheels will be driven by an electric motor. A diesel engine about half the size of a conventional bus engine will run at a steady level to keep the batteries that power the motor fully charged.

Most of the pollution from conventional diesel-powered buses results from hard acceleration. With the hybrid running at a steady state, pollution will be reduced significantly.

The technology is similar to gasoline-electric hybrids being used in cars, such as Toyota Motor Corp.’s Prius subcompact sedan on sale in Japan and scheduled to arrive in the U.S. in 2000. Honda Motor Co. recently said it would export its two-seat “V V” hybrid car to the U.S. next fall. Those cars, however, use both the gasoline engine and electric motor to drive the wheels.

The bus is undergoing testing now in Indianapolis and will be delivered to the New York City Transit Authority early next year.

GM shares fell 88 cents to close at $72.56 on the New York Stock Exchange.