Australian manufacturer Volgren has launched its first fuel cell bus, powered by Ballard's FCmove®-HD engine
The largest bus body manufacturer in Australia has expanded its zero-emission transport operations with the construction of its first hydrogen-powered bus for public transit.
Volgren – a subsidiary of Brazilian-based vehicle manufacturer Marcopolo – has collaborated with European player Wrightbus to roll out the fuel cell bus, with a second unit now in production and slated for imminent delivery to the Australian transit operator Translink.
Wrightbus supplies the chassis technology for the bus, which is powered by Ballard's FCmove®-HD fuel cell engine. The 70kW module powers mid- and heavy-duty zero-emission mobility in a range of market verticals across global markets, offering high performance, proven reliability and durability, and simplified integration.
Having launched its first battery-electric bus with BYD in 2019, Volgren now boasts a zero-emission bus fleet of more than 150 in operation, spanning six variants of battery and fuel cell technologies. This hydrogen-powered bus is the latest in Volgren's growing portfolio.
"We are incredibly proud to lead the way in zero-emission transport solutions here in Australia. The development of this hydrogen-powered bus showcases how our focus on innovation can contribute to more sustainable public transport systems. This project demonstrates the strength of Australia’s local manufacturing sector and the value of collaboration, allowing us to produce a hydrogen bus that not only sets new standards in sustainability but also contributes to the local economy through job creation and skills development."
Thiago Deiro CEO, Volgren
As a project filled with "firsts", the Volgren bus also represents Wrightbus' debut in the Australian market, and the company's introduction of its powertrain technology exported to a bus body manufacturer, helping to grow its global reach in new and existing markets.
For Ballard, this latest collaboration is a further expansion into the zero-emission transit bus market in Australia, having already established a partnership with ARCC to power their hydrogen fuel cell models on public routes across Victoria and New South Wales, introduced earlier in 2024.
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