Hybrid User Forum
The EU-funded RTD project “Hybrid Commercial Vehicle” (www.hcv-proejct.eu) has a goal of a
30% reduction in fuel consumption (as compared to standard diesel vehicles) – and a
decrease in the costs of a hybrid system. The stop-and-go drive-cycle of urban buses is a
good starting point for hybrids with recuperating brake energy technology.
The HCV project established the independent “Hybrid User Forum” to obtain direct, ongoing
feedback from hybrid vehicle users on the acceptance of hybrid HDVs by operators, drivers
and passengers. The Hybrid User Forum membership represents a total of 62,000 buses on
the road in Europe, including over a thousand hybrids. Annual workshops allow hybrid users to
compare and exchange on-the-ground experience with one another.
The 2013 User survey among the members of the Hybrid User Forum shows maturing
technology in 12m and double-decker buses and some low level of user satisfaction with the
existing 18 m hybrid buses.
Fuel consumption
Maintenance costs
Although some reduction in fuel consumption
(over comparable diesel buses) was reported,
the mean was 16% – and some operators
reported no reduction at all.
The expected reduction in maintenance costs
was not experienced. A significant number of
operators reported “significantly higher”
maintenance costs.
In 2013, a more differentiated picture can be seen; users report different performance levels
for different sizes of hybrids.
Experience with 12m hybrid buses is
generally good – and the market is
responding positively.
Maintenance costs of 12m hybrids have
fallen. They now generally range between
“slightly higher” (than comparable diesels)
and “slightly lower”.
For double decker buses, a reduction in fuel
consumption of more than 20% (over
comparable diesel buses) is now reality.
Maintenance costs for double deckers are at
levels similar to those of comparable diesel
buses.
There was a range of experience with 18 m
hybrids. Fuel consumption went up in winter
with the use of heating. The number of buses
in operation was much lower than 12m and
DD buses – although there is a huge demand
by operators for high capacity buses.
The operators of 18m hybrids reported
maintenance costs that were “slightly higher”
than comparable diesels, maintenance
problems and a comparatively low level of
availability.