Hydrogen fuel cell buses to begin operations in Sunderland and London
Tue 10 November 2009
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Two hydrogen fuel cell buses are to begin operating in Sunderland as part of an R&D programme run by the University of Sunderland. The University is collaborating with a Chinese technology company and local experts ComeSys Europe and AVID vehicles to create ECO2Trans, which will convert two buses to a fuel cell, battery and capacitor combination. Meanwhile, Transport for London has announced that it will introduce five hydrogen fuel cell buses to its fleet.
The ECO2Trans project will provide a rolling test bed for North East companies to develop technology. It is allowing companies to learn from international experts and develop their own solutions to the problems surrounding new low carbon and zero-emission technology.
The University of Sunderland’s Institute of Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP) purchased two second-hand, battery-powered electric Gulliver U500EUK buses which have been stripped down for new technology to be put into the rolling chassis. The ECO2Trans project is helping AMAP to trial new energy storage devices, novel motor technology and develop new control technology.
One North East has invested £314,000 to sponsor the ECO2Trans project.
In related news, Transport for London (TfL) has announced that it is to introduce at least five hydrogen fuel cell buses into its fleet. The buses are due to become operational in 2010 running on the RV1 route from central to East London. TfL has also said the Olympic Delivery Authority has approved the building of a hydrogen refuelling station at Temple Mills Lane in East London,
TfL now has 56 diesel electric hybrid buses operational in London and, from 2012, all new London buses will be hybrids. TfL is also applying for additional EU funding to increase the hydrogen bus fleet to eight buses.
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