The first hydrogen-fueled bus trials in New South Wales took place in October 2023, successfully demonstrating the potential hydrogen energy has to power buses over longer distances without refueling - a critical factor for Australian operators. The fuel cell electric buses are powered by Ballard's FCmove®-HD engine.
Designed and built by bus manufacturer Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis Company (ARCC), the hydrogen-powered bus is trialed in New South Wales as a part of a project partnership with players from the energy, manufacturing and transport industries - and support from state government - with the aim to implement a decarbonized bus fleet for the region.
Collaborating with transit operator Red Bus Services and ARCC, Ballard supplies the fuel cell engine, with its 70kW FCmove®-HD technology driving performance and showcasing the efficiency and ease-of-use of alternatively-powered drivetrains for public transport.
Video courtesy of: NSW Government Energy Saver
Underlining its effective performance, the fuel cell electric bus has an overall range of 515km using just 32kg of hydrogen and can operate continuously for 16 hours before requiring a return to the depot for a quick refill. Comparatively, under identical performance parameters, a diesel-powered bus would consume 170 liters to travel the same distance.
Since the start of testing, the ARCC fuel cell bus has traveled more than 5,000km with an average energy use below 1kWh/km. The learnings from this trial period are valuable in defining the balance of fuels and drivetrains needed to transition the State's transport network to net zero emissions without compromising performance. This will be backed up be continued strong collaboration between industry and government to assist in developing a green hydrogen economy in New South Wales and throughout Australia.
Since completing testing in New South Wales, ARCC has broadened its zero-emission imprint on Australia by successfully deploying two additional fuel cell electric buses on the streets of Melbourne, which are now operational on routes in the west of the city across Williamstown, Moonee, Ponds, Footscray and Sunshine.
Also integrating Ballard's FCmove®-HD fuel cell engine, the hydrogen-powered buses are supplied to local operator Transit Systems, and will save approximately 90 tons of CO2 a year - supporting the state of Victoria's goal of ensuring every new bus from 2025 is emission-free and aligning with its commitment to achieve net zero by 2045.