The Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) in Greensboro, NC, recently introduced nine gasoline-electric hybrid paratransit vans to its fleet. The new Ford chassis-based models, manufactured by Champion Bus, can accommodate up to 16 ambulatory and wheelchair-using passengers.

These vehicles are much lighter than their traditionally fueled fixed route counterparts, using lightweight ultra capacitors in place of battery cells for a weight savings of more than 1,000 pounds.

Regarding safety concerns about the high-voltage systems, the new vans feature a hybrid system that operates in a range of only 60 to 90 volts, compared with the 300 to 500 volts found in many other hybrid buses. In case of electrical leakage, a system of contactors isolates the energy source from the vehicle frame to prevent harm. Drivers also may have access to a manual override button.

During normal operations, the vehicle receives power from the operation of the engine, but also from deceleration energy that is normally lost as heat. Energy from these two sources goes into the capacitor until needed to assist the motor.

GTA anticipates that each of the new vans will save 826 gallons of fuel per year, lowering the operating costs of the paratransit fleet and carbon dioxide emissions while increasing mileage.

The agency began adding hybrid buses to its fixed route fleet in 2012.

GTA paratransit operator and 2013 North Carolina state roadeo champion Robin Dillon with one of the agency’s new hybrid vans.