Fuel cell buses in fast lane to maturity

[jpak]

http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2216475/fuel-cell-buses-fast-lane

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Californian bus operator AC Transit has agreed to buy a minimum of eight of UTC Power's 120 kW PureMotion Model 120 fuel cell systems, and Van Dokkum expressed confidence that the firm would exercise its option to procure a further 13 of the systems.

He added that the company was also expecting to see increased interest in the technology from across California. "AC Transit in Oakland has placed this order, but they are working with other operators across the state on fuel cell projects," he said. "The zero-emission vehicle legislation covers buses so there is pressure on firms to look at these vehicles. "

As demand for fuel cell-powered buses continues to climb, Van Dokkum is confident that the technology is now mature enough to compete with incumbent diesel engine buses. The company noted that while the first-generation fuel cell buses trialled by AC Transit came with a 4,000-hour warranty, the latest fuel cells will be offered with a warranty period of up to 10,000 hours of operation.

"I don't mind admitting I was a bit nervous about putting the first-generation buses in commercial circulation," said Van Dokkum. "But they have proved far more reliable than expected, particularly when you consider tha t the duty cycle of a bus is very heavy and it has to transport a lot of weight while repeatedly stopping and starting."

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1. also ridership is increasing due to fuel prices so this is a great move