Eaton launches first hybrid bus fleet in China

GUANGZHOU, China — The first commercially available hybrid power system in China was introduced by North American components manufacturer Eaton Corp and Beiqi Foton Bus Company this week.

The joint hybrid system will be deployed in 30 city buses for Guangzhou Yiqi Bus.

Eaton is a leading provider of diesel-electric hybrid power systems in the United States for truck and bus applications and is also pioneering hydraulic hybrid power systems technologies for use in refuse trucks, delivery vehicles, buses and other applications.

The Chinese buses will be deployed to carry passengers, with an expected fuel savings of up to 27 percent, along with similar reductions in particulate and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

Kevin Beaty, leader of the hybrid power business unit in Eaton’s Truck Group, said delivery is “a significant milestone for Eaton in placement of hybrid power in China. Vehicle makers, fleets and users in China are working hard to reduce pollution and greenhouse gases in their cities, and we are excited about being involved,” he said.