BAE, Ballard Collaborate on 6th AFCB Green Bus; Steve Karaffa Comments

BAE Systems has renewed its commitment to produce fuel cell hybrid buses in collaboration with Ballard Power Systems, ElDorado National and the University of California.

Under the California Energy Commission-funded project, BAE will provide the propulsion and power management systems while Ballard will supply the “plug-and-play” power module and engineering support, Ballard said Tuesday.

According to the announcement, ElDorado is looking to move toward commercial production of the 40-foot transit bus with American Fuel Cell Bus configuration.

The new bus is only the sixth AFCB to be produced and is set for deployment at the UC Irvine campus in 2015.

“We are very pleased to continue our successful AFCB partnership with BAE Systems and ElDorado National and look forward to working with the University of California in Irvine,” Steve Karaffa, Ballard Chief Commercial Officer said.

“This bus platform offers transit operators a zero-emission option without compromising bus performance, range or availability.”