The Mystery of 2010: SCR vs. EGR

This week, both Thomas and IC Bus offer takes on the 2010 emissions regulations coming. In a story that appears elsewhere IC's marketing director argues its EGR solution is better because it's "less hassle"

Looking at both options, we can conclude that even if SCR improves fuel economy and if urea costs come down at some point, then the additional costs of training service techs, storing and purchasing replacement parts for the urea system, and adding a urea infrastructure to your business will add unfamiliarity and costs that are not good for your bottom line.

Thomas Built Buses counters with a Web site about its SCR solution. The company breaks the choice down to a top ten list:

1. Best fuel efficiency
2. Proven technology in Europe
3. EPA recommended and approved
4. Higher engine power density
5. No increased heat rejection, allowing for more efficient combustion
6. Lower cost of total ownership
7. Reliable
8. Durable
9. Easy to service
10.Environmentally friendly

Take a look at both sites for yourself. Let us know what you think. What questions do you still have about SCR and EGR? Let us know and we'll see if we can get them answered for you. Are you ready to make a switch? Have you already committed?

RIP: School Bus Artist Tom Kennedy

Tom Kennedy, the San Francisco-based artist/activist and father of Topsy Turvy, drowned over the weekend in San Francisco. Topsy Turvy (shown right) was a piece of school bus protest art designed to follow the 2008 presidential election and argue against what it's designers considered the upside down spending priorities of the United States. More modified vehicles and school buses at Kennedy's Web site. More videos and well-wishes here.

Collins Announces Hybrid-Electric Type A

With an announced partnership between Collins Bus Corporation and Azure Dynamics, the first-ever Ford-certified Type-A hybrid-electric school bus is bound for roads. Designs for the vehicle promise a fuel economy of up to 40 percent. Read the whole story on STNOnline.

How a Turbo Charger Works

Very cool...



Thanks, John

Sharp Eye? Help a Fellow School Bus Mechanic/Blogger

School mechanic and blogger John Wheelan turns to readers this week for advice. He's just removed the front end of a Thomas HDX Pusher because the bus wanders when the brakes are applied. But he can't figure out what's going on. Check out his blog for more details and see if you can offer some advice. FYI: It's not the brakes. He already tested that.

EPA Webinar on Stimulus Money for Diesel Emissions

You already attended STN's first Webinar on how to get money for diesel emissions reductions (or if you missed it, you at least downloaded the presentations at our archive), now attend EPA's Smartway Program information session on the Request for Applications (RFA) you'll need to fill out under the Smartway Clean Diesel Finance Program. Register online for the Tuesday, March 31, Webinar.

How to Get $ for DOC, DPFs, heaters, etc ...

Missed the STN Webinar that discussed the grant applications necessary to get a piece of $300 million diesel emissions reduction funding? Catch up and download the presentations online.