BAE Systems providing power systems for up to 600 buses in Ireland

ENDICOTT, N.Y. — BAE Systems, which specializes in electric-propulsion systems, announced it will supply up to 600 electric power and propulsion systems for a new fleet of buses in Ireland.

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and the Republic of Ireland’s National Transport Authority (NTA) selected the company as a supplier, BAE said in a news release. The deal includes an initial order for 100 systems.

The firm’s facility in Endicott will manufacture the systems, a company spokesman tells CNYBJ.

“The series-ER [electric range] system is highly reliable and an important step to full electrification for Ireland,” Steve Trichka, VP and general manager of power & propulsion solutions at BAE Systems, said. “This technology gets Ireland closer to zero emission operations, reducing fuel consumption and improving air quality in the areas where its people live, work, and visit.”

With series-ER, the buses will be able to operate on clean electric power through designated low and zero-emission zones. The system uses global-positioning software to enable the buses to run in full electric mode when they enter the zones. The buses switch to battery power when the engine is off, “eliminating the release of exhaust emissions in populated areas” such as near schools, hospitals, and tourist attractions, BAE said.

The technology is part of the company’s efforts in “developing and integrating” electric propulsion systems and accessories for transit buses.

Series-ER “builds on that foundation, maximizing the efficiency” of the energy-storage system. With increased battery capacity, the system provides zero emission travel “without the need” for the bus to stop and recharge, the company noted. This also eliminates the need for cities to add costly charging infrastructure.

BAE Systems’ series-ER technology is powering more than 200 buses across the globe, including in major cities such as Boston and San Francisco.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia., BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, a global defense, security and aerospace company. Its website says the firm employs nearly 86,000 globally. That figure includes more than 1,300 employees in Endicott, per the company spokesman.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com