Fisher Coachworks introduced their hybrid bus prototype back in July, 2008. They had $6 million in DOE grants and private investment and raised $3.2 million in a $4.25 million Series A fundraising push to continue their development.
$200,000 will got salaries and $500,000 will go towards machinery purchases. They are also planning on a $7 million factory in Livonia, MI.
Fisher is building the GTB-40, a 40-foot serial drive hybrid, which will be half the weight and twice as fuel efficient. They are cutting weight through the use of Nitronic, a stiffer alloy of stainless steel.
A small diesel engine powers the generator and keeps the battery charged. The buses also employ regenerative braking.
Fisher claims the bus is getting 10 mpg, double the normal 4 or 5 mpg hybrid buses usually get, which is twice what diesel buses can expect.
The GTB-40 completed DOE load-test requirements last September and will begin testing brakes, suspension durability, bumper protection, passenger safety and overall maintainability.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Fisher Coachworks Raises $3.2 Million to Develop Hybrid Bus
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