CEC Approves New Flyer Fuel Cell Demonstration Project
New Flyer of America Inc. announced that the California Energy Commission ("CEC") approved a $2.1 million grant to conduct an advanced demonstration project involving a New Flyer Xcelsior electric transit bus with a Hydrogenics CelerityPlus fuel cell. A notice of the proposed award was initially announced in April.
The purpose of the CEC-approved Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) is to encourage demonstration of advanced technologies and help develop commercial vehicles that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, displace petroleum fuel demand, stimulate economic development and enhance market acceptance that will lead to commercial production.
Similar to the commercially available zero-emission New Flyer Xcelsior battery-electric buses, the hydrogen fuel cell demonstration bus will use a Siemens ELFA electric drive motor for propulsion. However, instead of storing electricity delivered from the power grid in battery packs on the bus, fuel cells use hydrogen gas and air to produce electricity directly on-board the bus. With water vapor as the only by-product and with no tail pipe emissions, a New Flyer Xcelsior fuel cell bus can reduce an estimated 115 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
"New Flyer has over 40 years of extensive experience with electric vehicle technology, starting with electric trolleys. We designed the Xcelsior with public transit agencies in mind, using components and systems that are Buy America compliant and manufactured and supported by leading supply chain partners," said Chris Stoddart, vice president of engineering services and customer services. "Integrating advanced fuel cell technology from Hydrogenics is a natural extension of our zero-emission product evolution. We are very proud to be a selected as a partner with the California Energy Commission."
