California’s Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is set to invest $78 million in 50 zero-emission buses, with 40 vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Canadian manufacturer New Flyer will supply the hydrogen and battery-powered buses, and they’re expected to enter into fleet operations in late 2026. This move aligns with California’s mandate for all public transit agencies to achieve zero-emission operations by 2040.
H2 View understands that the Federal Transit Administration and California Climate Investments backed the bus purchase through funding generated through the state’s cap-and-trade carbon programme.
“I’m proud that OCTA is an industry leader in transitioning to zero-emission technology,” explained OCTA Chair, Tam Nguyen, “and I’m glad we’re helping set the standard for a future in which our passengers can continue to count on reliable bus service while protecting our environment.”
From 2023, California’s Clean Transit Rule has required 25% of new bus purchases to be zero-emission and this will increase to 50% by 2026 and 100% by 2029.
Hexagon Purus agreed to supply hydrogen cylinders for New Flyer’s North American buses earlier this week, marking a fifth consecutive year of the partnership.
Additionally, the bus manufacturer doubled its initial order of Ballard Power Systems’ fuel cell engines at the start of the month (November). Under the new deal, Ballard will supply up to 200 fuel cell engines in 2025.
Read more:New Flyer expands hydrogen fuel cell fleet with 20MW Ballard engine order
New Flyer is currently involved in a project to reduce the weight and volume of fuel cell propulsion systems by over 50% without the need for an additional battery system.
The Center for Transportation and Environment (CTE) launched the battery-free hydrogen fuel cell bus proof-of-concept project in partnership with New Flyer, Nimbus Power Systems and AC Transit.
Read more:New hydrogen fuel cell bus aims for diesel-like performance without batteries
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