PORTLAND, Ore. -- They won’t be driving more than 200 miles an hour, but some Trimet buses will start using some of the same technology seen in NASCAR racing cars.

File photo

A Tri-Met bus drives through Portland.

This week, Trimet will convert three conventional buses to the newer technology, which is designed to boost fuel economy by up to ten percent. According to Trimet, the conversion removes the original hydraulic and belt-driven cooling systems and replaces them with electrical components. The new systems should also boost a bus’ horsepower,

Michigan based EMP Inc. created the new systems, often found in NASCAR racers and military vehicles. Trimet has been testing the technology out for the last eight months, using an experimental bus.