First hydrogen bus to hit Central Coast streets in Australia

The state’s first trial of a hydrogen-powered electric bus will begin on the Central Coast later this year, as the NSW Government transitions its fleet to zero-emission technology.

The Government is partnering with local and national industry suppliers to test the future fuel source.

The project is a partnership with the Department of Planning and Environment, local bus manufacturer ARCC, Central Coast operator Red Bus, and Origin Energy.

This trial is the first step towards us getting a better understanding of how hydrogen buses perform in local conditions and the infrastructure needed to support them.

The results of the battery-electric bus trial on the Central Coast will be compared against the hydrogen bus to understand any key differences, including fuel economy and refuelling times.

In some regional areas, buses need to travel greater distances before they refuel, which is why trials like this are important.

On-road testing will take place on roads surrounding the development facility at Smithfield before the trial begins.

The first hydrogen fuel cell electric bus is expected to arrive on the Central Coast later this year before starting a local technology trial.

Matt Kean, Treasurer and Minister for Energy, said, “Unlocking hydrogen use in the heavy transport sector is key to creating new industries and achieving the economic prosperity that comes with it.”

Sam Farraway, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, said, “Industry is partnering with bus operators to develop trials, to understand how the technology could be implemented across regional NSW.”

Peter Murley, MD and founder of ARCC said, “Our focus is on helping local and state governments reach zero-emission targets with turnkey transport options that are 100 per cent Australian designed, built and supported.”