This is the first commercially viable hybrid bus that should see the market place by 2010. Using a combo diesel and lithium ion battery the 7700 Hybrid decreases CO2 emissions by 30%, doesn’t idle at lights and stops, reduces particle and nitrous oxide emissions by 40-50%, carries more passengers, and runs quieter than its fully diesel counterpart.

The cost for the 7700 Hybrid could add to profits for fuel savings over its diesel version after 5-7 years of operation. With the addition of the batteries, which are extremely heavy, the hybrid weighs only 100kg more and can accommodate an extra 7 passengers. The batteries are recharged by the energy created while braking and the resistance can be so strong it stops the bus itself.

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When the 7700 is at stops or idle the engine is off and when it’s time to start the electric motor almost silently accelerates the bus to 25-30mph before the diesel takes over. This means less noise and pollution for passengers and bystanders.

The 7700 also has some comparatively sleek and sweeping design lines as well.