A new project to develop a hybrid bus has been established by General Electric's (GE) Niskayuna research centre.

The programme, which will cost an estimated $13 million, is designed to develop a new hybrid fuel cell bus which is completely free of emissions, with a range of as much as 200 miles.

Mark Little, senior vice president and director at GE Global Research, commented: "Advancements in hybrid propulsion systems and battery chemistry offer tremendous promise for enabling cleaner, more affordable transportation alternatives that will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote a cleaner, healthier environment."

It is hoped that the new scheme, which is part of a nationwide $49 million project in the US to develop a hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet, will be able to improve the battery technology used in buses.

Earlier this month, Ford and BP announced that they were to open a new hydrogen refuelling station in Michigan to fuel a new fleet of fuel cell vehicles as the country continues its efforts to be more environmentally-friendly.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd