BAE Systems developing parallel hybrid propulsion system

Johnson City, New York-based BAE Systems, a developer and producer of hybrid electric technologies, is developing a parallel hybrid propulsion system designed for medium- and heavy-duty truck applications.

The parallel system is the latest version of the company’s HybriDrive green propulsion system.

The HybriDrive series propulsion system is currently in service on more than 3,000 transit buses in cities around the world, which require low average speeds and frequent stop-and-go operation.

The HybriDrive parallel system is designed to address the needs of vehicles with duty cycles that require higher operating speeds and less frequent stops, according to the manufacturer.

“The development of a parallel system is part of our strategy to broaden our HybriDrive product family to meet the growing worldwide need for more efficient transport and energy management,” Steve Trichka, general manager of power and energy management for BAE Systems, says in a written statement.

The HybriDrive series system does not use a transmission. The HybriDrive parallel system is based on a single electric machine integrated between the engine and the transmission.

The HybriDrive parallel system, in final stages of development, will see it first road trials next spring and is expected to be deployed in markets around the world in 2012.