Capstone Launch CARB-Certified Microturbine for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Capstone Turbine Corporation today announced that it released configurations of the C30 liquid fuel microturbine that meet extremely low global emission standards including California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements for New On-Road Heavy-Duty Engines for Urban Bus - Hybrid service.

Test emissions from the C30 Liquid Fuel microturbine measured dramatically less than the emissions levels set forth by the CARB standard including NOX at 80% and CO at 99% less than the required levels.

The Capstone C30 Liquid Fuel microturbine is the only engine certified to the CARB emissions levels that went into effect for Model Year 2010 On-Road Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines to operate on diesel fuel with no exhaust after treatment, including urea injection or exhaust catalyst. Emissions were achieved using the next generation of Capstone's lean premix combustion technology. The result of no after treatment equipment allows Capstone to achieve these emission levels without impact to product efficiency, additional cost or increased vehicle weight.

"I am pleased that our engineering staff continues to identify unique solutions to technically challenging problems that address the needs of the future," said Mark Gilbreth, Capstone's Executive Vice President Operations and Chief Technology Officer. "We will continue to focus on developing cutting edge technology to reduce harmful emissions, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce product cost."

The Capstone C30 Liquid Fuel microturbine is the only diesel fueled range extender that has been certified to the CARB Urban Bus and Urban Bus Hybrid standard for operation on diesel fuel. Capstone recently completed third party testing and validation of its compressed natural gas (CNG) product and anticipates filing for CARB certification in the coming weeks.

"Having the only 2010 CARB certified range extender for heavy duty transit that does not require exhaust after treatment allows DesignLine to offer a product that meets market requirements and assists transit properties in lowering fleet emissions without incurring the additional cost of changing their existing fueling infrastructure or maintaining costly exhaust after treatment systems," said Brad Glosson, President and Chief Executive Officer of DesignLine Corporation. "This new certification will open sales in California and will help us win orders in all U.S. markets looking for world class emissions, improved fuel economy and lower maintenance costs."

"Hybrid Electric Vehicles present a unique market opportunity for Capstone's microturbine products," said Jim Crouse, Capstone's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We have a product that we believe is well positioned to meet continuing emission standard reductions and for the growing electric vehicle market looking for range extending solutions."

"Hybrid Electric Vehicle applications are a growing part of Capstone's business as countries continue to implement stringent emissions standards," said Darren Jamison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capstone Turbine Corporation. "The ability to provide clean burning power generation helps meet California requirements today and sets the standard for other nations as they establish emissions requirements," added Jamison.