Model: Orion VII NG HEV 07.501
Engine: Cummins ISB
Transmission: BAE Systems HybriDrive
1500-1689 were delivered in 2008-2009. Due to production issues this series was delivered at the same time as the earlier order (1200-1423).
Due to the unsatisfactory performance of the Sealed-Lead Acid (SLA) batteries they were delivered with, the last 5 units (1685-1689) were modified at the factory before delivery, and came with Lithium-Ion batteries. The remaining 185 vehicles will also be converted by MTB at a future date.
Retirements:
Birchmount: GM/MCI Classic, 1991 Orion V (6640-6745)Malvern: GM New Look
Mount Dennis: 1991 Orion V (6640-6745), GM New Look
Queensway: New Flyer D40-88/89, 1991 Orion V (6640-6745)
Wilson: GM New Look
Division Histories:
Arrow: Although Arrow concentrated on receiving 1200-1423 buses, they also received numerous buses from this series. Most of them have since gone to Mount Dennis in exchange for buses from the 1200-1423 series.Malvern: Although Malvern concentrated on receiving 1200-1423 buses, they also received numerous buses from this series. All of them went to Mount Dennis or Wilson, as the 1700-1829 series started arriving.
Mount Dennis: As the 1500-1689 series was newest when Mount Dennis opened, much of this series was moved from the other 3 divisions.
Wilson: Delivery started at Wilson Division, where they pushed out. These vehicles were delivered primarily to Wilson Division, with Arrow and Malvern also accepting deliveries. When Mount Dennis opened in November 2008, much of the fleet was moved to that division (as they have a lower mileage than the 1200-1423 series).
Recommended Sightings: 32, 41, 47, 63
Although they may appear on any route at Arrow, Mount Dennis or Wilson, they are most common at Mount Dennis and therefore the highest chance will be on any large Mount Dennis route.
