UK hydrogen-powered bus to hit road this year with Ballard technology

Hydrogen-powered fuel cell buses are quite efficient and travel with extended range without emitting any emission. There is a growing demand for such buses in Europe, partly driven by government-funded schemes.

Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), a British bus manufacturing company based in Larbert, Scotland, and a subsidiary of NFI Group, has announced to build a double-decker hydrogen-fuelled bus.

The bus would be developed under the company’s Project H2.0. The bus would be designed and built in the UK and expected to hit the road this year. New Flyer, a subsidiary of NFI Group, is also involved in the project, providing supports in achieving the task.

The bus will be equipped with a fuel cell power module from Ballard as well as Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS). The double-decker bus can cover around 300 miles without CO2 emission.

The fuel cell module from Ballard is considered better in providing more power output compared to its fuel consumption, while VEDS provides an efficient regeneration of energy during braking of the vehicle. The additional heat from fuel cells and driveline would heat the bus through an advanced thermal management system that can increase the vehicle’s power efficiency.

In 2018, ADL announced that it developed its double-decker Enviro400 equipped with an electric driveline with axle-mounted motors, but the power to the battery is provided through hydrogen. The hydrogen from secured tanks on the bus was transferred to the fuel cell system, where it was converted to electrical power and used as a source for the bus. It was developed through collaboration with Arcola Energy.