As the anchor sponsor of One-on-One Transit, BAE Systems is helping showcase its cutting edge zero-emission technology. Taking place June 16–18 in Binghamton, New York, One-on-One Transit brings together transit agencies and solution providers for curated meetings, networking, and a special behind-the-scenes tour of BAE Systems’ nearby facilities in Endicott.

With nearly 30 years of experience in electric drive and power management, BAE Systems has been a steady force in the transit industry — delivering innovative hybrid, battery electric, and fuel cell electric drive systems. Ahead of the event, we caught up with John Hroncich, BAE Systems’ Director for North American Transit Sales, to learn more about BAE Systems’ technology, success stories, and what attendees can expect during the tour.

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BAE Systems has a long history of delivering innovative low and zero-emission solutions for the transit market. You have a product line that supports diesel-hybrid, battery electric, and fuel cell electric drive systems. How does each drive system distinguish itself against its competition in terms of performance, efficiency, and reliability?

Our technology uses a common system architecture across these platforms, making it easy for transit operators to transition from one to another and reach their sustainability goals. For example, operators familiar with our hybrid electric systems can seamlessly transition to our zero emissions solution, reducing the need for additional training and spare parts.  

A key element to what we do is our commitment to simplicity and reliability. Our systems have fewer components, fewer connections, and fewer cooling requirements. With half the components as our competition, there are fewer potential failure points. Our design minimizes ground fault sources, making our system more reliable and easier to maintain.  

We are also providing future-proof technologies, being leveraged by auto industry, such as high-efficiency SiC and GaN power inverters. Our Gen3 propulsion solution is a flexible, electric drive system designed for buses that offers a clean and efficient mode of transportation.

Above all, we prioritize safety and serviceability—supporting both OEMS and transit operators with:

• Advanced diagnostics, including high-voltage measurement ports and industry-leading electric drive system diagnostics

• Centralized fault code record-keeping and retrieval

• Integrated troubleshooting, incorporating fault codes from other systems, such as batteries or fuel cells

• Streamlined initial system-level diagnostics from a single location

By embracing the principle that "less is more," we've created a drive system that is more efficient, more reliable, and more sustainable than the competition—but also safer and easier to service and maintain.

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Could you share any success stories or case studies that highlight the tangible advantages of your solutions?

We developed a range of success stories and case studies that highlight the tangible advantages of our solutions. A notable example is our long-standing partnership with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). We've been working with SFMTA since 2007, providing hybrid electric propulsion systems for their transit buses. In 2019, SFMTA selected our Series-ER (Electric Range) system for 68 of their transit buses, enabling them to switch off their combustion engines and run on electric power in designated "green zones" throughout the city. This has reduced emissions and improved air quality in areas where people live, work, and visit.

Building on this success, we just announced that our Gen3 electric drive systems will power 42 new buses for SFMTA, further expanding the city's fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles. Our Gen3 system features advanced materials and designs that maximize electrical efficiency, helping SFMTA maintain a reliable and efficient transit operation while reducing emissions and improving air quality.

As SFMTA continues to move towards its goal of zero emissions, we're also supporting them with battery electric propulsion systems, which will enable them to achieve zero emissions operations. Our systems are designed to help transit operators like SFMTA transition to zero emissions on their own timeline, whether that's through hybrid electric or battery electric propulsion systems. By working together, we can help create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly public transportation system for the future. With over 19,000 propulsion systems on transit buses worldwide, we've demonstrated our ability to deliver reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions for public transportation.

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What advantages does your company’s size and breadth of experience bring to transit operators?  How does your transit business benefit from the resources BAE can bring to bear to solve a problem?

BAE Systems brings a unique set of advantages to the transit market. Our size and breadth of experience enable us to provide consistent support to transit operators, even in times of economic uncertainty or industry fluctuations. Over the past 30 years, the North American transit market has navigated cycles of growth, crisis, and recovery, making it challenging for suppliers to maintain stable support. However, BAE Systems has remained a steady presence in the market, leveraging our diversified portfolio and large company resources to continue innovating and improving our products. Our commitment to the transit market has allowed us to develop a deep understanding of the industry's needs and challenges, and we've used this knowledge to create tailored solutions that address the unique requirements of transit operators.

One of the key benefits of being part of a large company like BAE Systems is access to a vast pool of talented engineers and technologies. We can draw upon this expertise to drive innovation and solve complex problems, ensuring that our products and services remain at the forefront of the industry. Additionally, our size and scale enable us to invest in research and development, staying ahead of the curve when it comes to technological advancements and emerging trends.

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During the One-on-One Transit event, attendees will experience firsthand BAE's product development, testing, and production facilities. How do you plan to engage with attendees and showcase your commitment to success in the zero-emission transit industry?

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour our facilities and experience firsthand our product development, testing, and production capabilities. Our team of experts will be on hand to share their knowledge and showcase our innovative solutions for vehicle electrification.

The tour will include:

• A visit to our manufacturing floor, where attendees can see our engineers and technicians working on the latest projects, including energy storage manufacturing and lithium-ion battery module assembly

• A demonstration of our rigorous testing processes, including vibration testing, heat chambers, and other quality control measures

• A visit to our dynamometer testing area, where we simulate real-world scenarios to fine-tune our systems for optimal performance

• A showcase of our fuel cell engine pod and other innovative technologies

Visitors will also have the chance to meet our team and experience firsthand the passion and commitment that drive us to deliver high-quality products and exceptional customer support for the transit industry.