New Flyer Industries will develop the first ever North American-designed and built zero-emission 60-foot battery-electric/fuel cell bus.
The Winnipeg-based bus manufacturer says the propulsion system is being integrated into its Buy America compliant and proven Xcelsior X60 heavy-duty transit bus platform that includes a combination of batteries, a fuel cell, and hydrogen storage.
The electric drive bus will allow the fuel cell to operate at a relative steady-state, while the batteries will be able to both capture breaking energy and provide power for acceleration.
“This project is part of our technology roadmap and represents another important step for New Flyer in pursuit of durable, reliable and affordable zero-emission public transportation,” said Paul Soubry, president and CEO of New Flyer.
“Over the next decade, we expect to see a continued transition from conventional propulsion towards zero-emission technologies in the heavy-duty transit market and this builds on our natural evolution from: diesel, to hybrid, to natural gas, to electric — all based on the same proven Xcelsior bus platform.”
The company has partnered with Ballard Power Systems Inc. and Siemens on the project.
