Hydrogen Powered Bus in Winnipeg
Winnipeg is showcasing it’s latest technology innovation, an energy-efficient hydrogen powered bus. Unfortunately this vehicle cost too much money to make it practical for use in the short-term future. The only emissions produced by the bus are water.
The bus is worth between $1 and $2 million, according to Manitoba’s hydrogen specialist Bob Parsons, and is a big improvement on earlier versions of the hybrid. “It’s the only one of its kind that exists in the world at this time,” said Parsons.
Earlier hybrids, including one which made its debut in Winnipeg in 2005, relied on internal combustion engines and produced both heat and water as byproducts.
However, the newest prototype only produces water. Similar to hybrid cars like the Prius, the new bus relies on ‘regenerative braking’ - when the bus brakes, its motors become generators, and provide the vehicle with extra power.
The new hybrid was developed by California’s Hydrogenics Corporation, with assistance from the federal and provincial government and a number of other companies, incuding Winnipeg’s New Flyer Industries.
The bus won’t be joining Winnipeg’s transit fleet any time in the near future - instead, the prototype will be toured around the city throughout the month before moving on to Mississauga.
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March 4th, 2008
Barack Obama favors alternative energy, including its use in public transit.