LONDON (Alliance News) - Torotrak PLC on Thursday said a bus equipped with its Flybrid KERS engine system has completed testing with UK transport company Arriva and has been put into service in Gillingham in Kent.
Torotrak, which develops and supplies variable drive transmission, engine boosting and energy recovery systems for vehicles, said the first of the Arriva StreetLite buses has been put into service in the city and has been approved for drivability by Wrightbus and Arriva.
Torotrak's KERS hybrid system has proved successful in tests at achieving the company's target fuel efficiency. Torotrak claims it offers bus operators an unsubsidised payback of less than five years, making it "the most cost-effective hybrid bus system available on the market".
"We have been pleased with our extensive testing and the performance of Flybrid KERS, delivered early this year to Arriva. Entering trials in public service marks an important milestone, where driver feedback will help our engineers optimise the system ahead of start of production," said Torotrak Chief Operating Officer Steve Hughes.
Shares in Torotrak were up 6.1% to 13.00 pence on Thursday.
By Sam Unsted; samunsted@alliancenews.com; @SamUAtAlliance
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