Ultracapacitor maker Maxwell Technologies just announced that Golden Dragon Bus Co, one of the world’s leading producers of medium- and heavy-duty buses, has selected Maxwell’s BOOSTCAP(R) ultracapacitors for braking energy recuperation and torque assist in fuel-efficient, low-emission, diesel-electric hybrid buses Golden Dragon is producing for the Hangzhou Public Transport Group (HPTG).

Maxwell has completed delivery of 720 48-volt BMOD0165 P048 multicell ultracapacitor modules to Golden Dragon for installation into 45 hybrid buses HPTG ordered. Golden Dragon delivered the first prototype hybrid bus with an ultracapacitor-based energy storage system to Hangzhou in July 2007 for comparison with other hybrid drive systems under actual operating conditions. It was during the intervening time that HPTG awarded the initial contract to Maxwell.

This use of ultracapacitors for energy storage and recuperation in braking systems is getting Maxwell some serious respect in Europe and Asia. It’s working with bus builders in Italy and China as well as major car companies in Germany. And it has some pilot programs with industrial vehicles in the US and Canada.

This is an odd little market sector that doesn’t get much attention but has revolutionary potential. And Maxwell is one of the top producers of ultracapacitors around the globe. Pick some up shares of Maxwell Technologies.