[niky]

Too bad there's no indicated price estimate for the system, or info on how easily it can be retrofitted. And it would be nice to know the assumptions used for calculating lifetime costs.

EDIT: Found it.

http://www.altairbusolutions.com/BUS_Market.htm

The LCO-140H Series Hybrid Hydraulic bus more than doubles the fuel economy of today's diesel powered buses and offers transit authorities the opportunity to reduce fleet costs by 20% while dramatically lowering emissions.

With a purchase price over $100k lower and 30% better fuel economy and lower emissions, the lifetime cost to own a LCO-140H Series Hybrid Hydraulic bus is estimated to be 30% less than hybrid electrics.

* Compressed
Natural Gas Ultra Low
Sulfur Diesel Diesel Electric
Hybrid BUSolutions
Diesel Hydraulic Hybrid
*Compression Electricity $19,003 $0 $0 $0
*Facility Maintenance $24,433 $20,723 $17,470 $17,470
*Propulsion-related Maintenance $62,588 $66,394 $63,589 $63,589
*Battery or Bladder replacement $0 $0 $67,500 $0
*Fuel Costs $444,145 $488,979 $305,612 $233,961
*Emmissions Equipment $0 $1,434 $0 $0
*Depot Modification $8,750 $0 $1,400 $0
*Refueling station $20,000 $0 $0 $0
*Vehicle Cost $342,366 $319,709 $531,605 $410,000
*Life Cycle Cost $921,285 $897,239 $987,176 $725,020
Data source:
Transit Bus Life Cycle Cost and Year 2007 Emissions Estimation (FTA-WV-26-7004.2007.1.)
Fuel cost data updated to the Annual Energy Outlook 2010 report.
Electric hybrid fuel economy updated to recent best-in-class 60% improvement for a fair comparison.
Delta cost estimates made for Hybrid Hydraulic with similar assumptions.

Seems based on a 100,000 to 150,000 mile life expectancy for a typical city bus? How many years is that? Also, I've seen electric buses for less than that, though they're Chinese. The estimated premium seems a bit high, but then I'm not familiar with US or European bus prices. Ours cost half as much.