The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) has added two hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to its fleet. The buses are the first hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to be operational in Nevada.
The buses were funded with a $3.8 million Low or No Emission Grant from the Federal Transit Administration. The grant also provides funding to train staff to maintain and operate the new technology.
“As Southern Nevada steers towards a greener future, embracing sustainable transportation options is a responsible environmental choice that drives our community forward,” said RTC Chair and Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones. “By investing in sustainable technology, we’re creating green-collar jobs that benefit both our environment and our economy.”
The new fuel cell buses are powered by compressed hydrogen gas, a naturally abundant element. The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity through an electrochemical process. The only resulting by-product is water.
This technology has numerous advantages compared to other power sources. Hydrogen fuel cells do not release greenhouse gases and create little to no noise while the bus is idle and in motion. Fuel cell vehicles can be fueled in less than 15 minutes and can operate for longer periods of time, which will support the RTC’s operating routes.
“We are extremely grateful to our federal delegation for securing funding for these two hydrogen fuel cell electric buses,” said RTC CEO MJ Maynard. “We have long committed to investment in innovative transit technology to reduce our emissions footprint here in southern Nevada. This technology, which is new to southern Nevada, helps address our sustainability goal, including moving toward a zero-emissions fleet.”
Seven additional 60-foot, hydrogen fuel cell buses have been ordered and will be delivered to southern Nevada in the fall of 2024. The new buses were manufactured by New Flyer and feature fuel cell technology by Ballard. The hydrogen for the first two vehicles is provided by Air Products.
