[Michael]

Now put a recharging diesel generator like a locomotive and you have a Coach that runs for longer than a my bladder can hold out. We are getting closer to my prediction of a Coach that runs like a train locomotive. Michael

---

Mike Harper

2004 Marathon XLII

[Dwayne]

Energy is energy is energy. The reason locomotives use a diesel / electric combination is the manufacturers learned they can maximize efficiency with respect to fuel consumption by running the engine at its most efficient setting and varying power to the wheels via a multitude of inverters.

Late model locomotives have been running around 6000 HP.

When we drive our buses we almost never use our maximum available HP so it would be very practical to use a generator of the same horsepower as our average (which can be easily calculated by fuel consumption) and tune the engine to run at peak efficiency at a fixed RPM.

Unfortunately the required batteries are going to require space so unless they can be configured to make the most efficient use of space we may have to leave stuff home.

[Michael]

Update from LinkedIn

Van Hool 11,217 followers 4d •

4 days ago

All aboard! The first 100% electric CX45E coach has left our factory, and is loaded for shipment to the USA! 🇺🇸

#VanHoolCX45E #BonVoyage #TheFutureNow

---

Mike Harper

2004 Marathon XLII