That's the message from Torotrak, which says it expects the Flybrid system to qualify for the full 75% funding – and says it is already 75% cheaper than a battery hybrid.
The LEB scheme – a replacement for the Green Bus Fund – was launched earlier this year and operators have until 31 October to pitch a case for a share of £30 million available over the next three years. The scheme is designed to offer funding towards the cost of buying low-carbon buses compared to standard diesel versions. The scheme aims to be technology neutral; operators can use the grant for any low-carbon solution.
According to Torotrak, if the Flybrid qualifies for the maximum 75% funding – as it expects – then, with contribution from an LEB grant, the unit could pay for itself in less than two years.
Torotrak's Flybrid technology will be available for delivery in 2016 on the Wrightbus StreetLite midi bus, already favoured for its lightweight chassis and impressive fuel economy.
Brian Maybin, engineering director of Wrights Group, says: "We've been really impressed with the engineering input from Torotrak in developing this product; it's ideal for our StreetLite models, and we hope it will suit a lot of our customers."
"This long-life, low-maintenance hybrid will not only pay for itself quickly, but we hope also deliver good residual value for second-life buses – which is particularly valuable to those who usually lease vehicles," adds Adam Robson, Torotrak's chief executive.
Click the link below for more details on the scheme.