Van Hool AG300
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| Years of manufacture | 1993 to present |
| Length | 60 feet |
| Width | 102 inches |
| Power/Fuel | Diesel, Electricity,Diesel-Electric Hybrid |
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The Van Hool AG300 is a low floor, articulated transit bus. It was first introduced in 1993 followed by introduction to North America in 2001 with the Réseau de transport de Longueuil.
Design
Unlike North American low floor, articulated buses, the AG300 has a mid-mounted drivetrain. The early design had the cooling system mounted beside the engine. Later models would have a distinctive front hood on the roof that houses the engine cooling system. This new location helps protect it from dirt, debris, and water. This mounting also allows fast moving air that bounces off the windscreen up under the hood to cool the engine. Because the air generated from the vehicle's motion helps cool the engine, the cooling system can be made smaller and does not have to work as hard.
In addition to a standard diesel drivetrain, the AG300 could be configured for CNG fuel and electric trolleybus operations. In early 2009, a diesel-electric hybrid version was made available. At this time, the CNG option was dropped.
The early AG300 shared a rectilinear appearance with Van Hool's other buses throughout the 1990s. In 2001, Van Hool redesigned their transit bus line, adding the word "New" to the model designation. The buses received sleek lines, flush-mounted windows, and round headlights.
Early North American models had a slightly narrower front door than their European counterparts. Following the introduction of the A300L, the front overhang of the North American AG300 was reduced to match. The engine compartment was also reconfigured for buses with EPA 2007 compliant engines. Instead of a ground level exhaust, the hotter exhaust is dispersed at roof level before the trailer.
The rear overhang is greater on the European AG300, and unlike the North American model, the rear is noticeably tapered.
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An example of the first generation styling operating in Belgium. Note the radiator is placed behind the front wheels. -
AG300 trolleybus with first generation styling operating in Salzburg, Austria. -
An example of the second generation styling with sliding windows. -
An example with the reconfigured EPA 2007 engine compartment.
Specifications
| Demensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Length: 18.390m (EU) or 18.455 (NA) | ||
| Width: 2550mm (EU) or 2590mm (NA) | ||
| Height: 3280mm (EU) or 3320mm (NA) | ||
| Wheelbase: 5790/7750mm (EU) or 5790/7400mm (NA) | ||
| Front overhang: 2450mm (EU) or 2055mm (NA) | ||
| Rear overhang: 2400mm (EU) or 2335mm (NA) | ||
| Turning radius: 39 ft. 4 in. | ||
| Fuel tank capacity: 400L | ||
| Engine | Emissions | Availability |
| Cummins ISL 330 hp | EPA 2007 | 2007 to 2010, North America |
| Cummins ISM 330 hp | EPA 2004 | 2001 to 2007, North America |
| CAT C9 | EPA 2004 | 2004 to 2007, North America (none built) |
| DAF PE 310 or 360 hp | Euro 3 & 4 | |
| DAF PR 228/265 kW | Euro 5/EEV | |
| DAF TRX | Euro 6 | 2014 onwards, Europe |
| MAN D2865 LOH 310 or 360 hp | Euro 2 | |
| MAN D2866 LOH 310 or 360 hp | Euro 3 & 4 | |
| MAN D2066 LOH 235/265 Kw | Euro 5/EEV | |
| Transmissions | Availability | |
| Voith D864.3 | ||
| Voith D864.3E | ||
| Voith D864.5 | ||
| Voith DIWA.6 | Euro 6 | |
| ZF 5HP590 | ||
| ZF 5/6HP602C | EPA 2004, Euro 3 & 4 | |
| ZF 5/6HP604C | EPA 2007, Euro 5 | |
Operators
Canada 
- Réseau de transport de Longueuil - Longueuil, QC
- Viva - York Region, ON
- York Region Transit - York Region, ON
United States 
- AC Transit - Alameda & Contra Costa County, CA
- University of Minnesota Parking and Transportation Services - University of MN Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN