The Kansas City On-Grid Hybrid Electric Bus will have two motors: a diesel motor will supplement the electrical motor to meet the vehicle's demand for increased energy, such as when climbing steep hills or running air conditioning systems. The bus will literally be plugged in to recharge its state-of-the-art batteries. Because the hybrid bus's electrical motor will be used the majority of the time, it differs fundamentally from hybrid cars where a gasoline engine powers the car, while the electrical system only enables the car to use its petroleum fuel more efficiently.

DaimlerChrysler began production of the bus in July of 2004. The vehicle will be based on the Dodge Sprinter Chasse.