Heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer ElDorado National of California (ENC)) has received an order for 19 Axess EVO-FC hydrogen fuel cell buses from Foothill Transit, a public transit provider in California.
The Axess EVO-FC buses are powered by the “industry’s highest” capacity fuel cell and the BAE Systems Gen3 electric propulsion system, the REV Group subsidiary says. The buses offer a range of up to 400 miles, can be refueled within 12-20 minutes, and only emit water, it adds.
“The Axess EVO-FC is the perfect addition to Foothill Transit’s zero-emissions fleet,” said Mike Ammann, Vice President of Sales, ENC. “ENC continues to lead the industry in next-generation alternative fuel buses that help transit authorities across the country operate in a more sustainable way.”
Foothill Transit currently operates a fleet of 359 buses, including zero-emission models. Its service area covers Southern California’s San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys, including downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena.
ENC notes that it was the first bus manufacturer to complete the 12-year/500,000-mile FTA Altoona test for a hydrogen fuel cell electric-powered bus back in 2018. It is currently taking orders for the Axess EVO-FC and its entire line of zero-emissions buses.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Southern California Edison and other entities in the region are working to develop LA Basin hydrogen infrastructure to support H2 Fuel Cell and power generation capacity. Hydrogen does not contain carbon in its chain, so does not emit CO2.
