Fuel Cell Bus Demonstrations

On April 20, 1999, the California Fuel Cell Partnership formed to help advance fuel cell-powered electric vehicles — a new technology that promises to be a practical, affordable, and environmentally friendly transportation solution for California and the world. Transit buses using fuel cell technology can potentially reduce emissions and petroleum use, while operating more quietly than a conventional diesel bus.

While the placement of significant numbers of fuel cell buses into transit fleets is still out on the horizon, three agencies have taken steps to demonstrate the potential of fuel cells. CaFCP members will demonstrate seven fuel cell electric buses in regular transit service at Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), SunLine Transit Agency (SunLine) and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (Santa Clara VTA) :
• AC Transit will operate three Van Hool buses powered by UTC Power fuel cell systems and hybrid-electric drives designed and integrated by ISE Corporation, beginning November 2005.
• Santa Clara VTA is operating three Gillig buses powered by Ballard Power Systems fuel cells.
• SunLine will operate a Van Hool bus, also using ISE Corporation and UTC fuel cell technology, beginning November 2005.

The buses will operate for two years in regular transit service, carrying passengers over normal routes.

Transit Bus Rule
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) designated diesel emissions a toxic air contaminant in 1998. As such, transit buses will be required to further reduce tailpipe emissions. As part of this effort, CARB adopted a Transit Bus Fleet Rule and new bus emissions standards in February 2000, which includes a zero emission bus component. While the regulations do not specify the technology, some of the transit districts covered under this rule will meet these requirements utilizing direct hydrogen fuel cell technology. As a result, California’s transit properties are in a unique environment as a first application of fuel cell vehicle technology in the heavy-duty sector.

Demonstration Benefits
Bus demonstrations have the potential to act as anchor tenants for implementing fuel cell vehicle fleets and hydrogen infrastructure offering a variety of unique advantages including the following:
• Fuel cell buses are placed in customer service on typical transit routes, allowing for high public visibility, real-world evaluation, and displacement of conventional bus emissions.
• Fuel cell systems are subject to heavy-duty operating conditions and maximum performance requirements
• Central fueling and transit maintenance facilities can minimize infrastructure costs
• Bus fueling stations require high throughput equipment which can additionally serve light-duty vehicle fleets
• Bus manufacturers and fuel cell suppliers can closely coordinate
• Best of all, the buses only emit a small amount of water and no pollution, providing significant health benefits to the most densely populated areas on the planet!

Data Collection
From 2005 through 2007, transit operators will collect and evaluate the following data from the fuel cell bus demonstration project: operating and maintenance costs; range and fuel consumption; reliability of the buses and fuel cell systems; service availability (hours in operation); implementation and training experience; fleet/consumer/public acceptance; performance expectations; and safety.

The CaFCP is collaborating with other bus demonstration programs in the United States, Europe, and Japan to maximize information exchange and lessons learned. This effort has already resulted in a Performance Evaluation Plan, established to help ensure that evaluation methods, from program to program, can be viewed comparably.

More information can be obtained by visiting the websites of each CaFCP member transit agency and other relevant organizations:
• Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District:
• Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority:
• SunLine Transit Agency:
• California Energy Commission:
• California Air Resources Board:
• CalStart/WestStart and the Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium, non-profit associations of private and public sector firms and agencies working together to promote advanced vehicle technologies in the United States.

Funding
The bus demonstration program is funded by local, state and federal government agencies, as well as matching funds from private companies. Overall, more than $39 million has been raised to purchase buses, build infrastructure and manage operations. These funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration, the U.S. Department of Energy, the California Transportation Commission, the California Air Resources Board, the California Energy Commission, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and other local government sources, as well as contributions from Chevron, Air Products, Hydrogenics, and other industry leaders.

Updated September 2005