BAE to provide ENC buses with e-motors & inverters
In the USA, heavy-duty electric propulsion specialist BAE Systems is to provide Californian company ElDorado National (ENC) with its Gen3 product line solutions. These solutions are to drive ENC’s next-generation battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell transit buses.
ENC, a subsidiary of REV Group, will integrate BAE Systems’ Gen3 power inverters and electric motors into Axess Battery Electric Bus (EVO-BE) and Axess Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus (EVO-FC). BAE says the Gen3 will become a common structural powertrain across both platforms.
Along with BAE Systems’ Gen3 hardware, ENC’s EVO-FC will feature a 125kW hydrogen fuel cell from Plug Power. BAE Systems says that the ProGen 125kW fuel cell provides the best-in-class power density, fuel-based operational flexibility and range flexibility for hydrogen fuel cell buses.
“We’re excited to collaborate with BAE Systems and provide our 125kW hydrogen fuel cell for their integrated electric drive system,” said Jose Luis Crespo, General Manager Fuel Cell Applications/Global Accounts at Plug Power. “Our proven ProGen fuel cells deliver the benefits of green hydrogen with a highly reliable zero-emission solution. Plug is working with BAE Systems to bring our technology into sustainable transit bus fleets.”
BAE points out that over 55,000 Plug fuel cells are in daily service across North America. This cooperation was announced in April 2021 under which the two companies offer transit operators in North America an all-inclusive, scalable system to reach zero emissions, providing required site, vehicle, and service solutions.
On the Axess EVO-BE platform, BAE Systems’ Gen3 technology will integrate with a battery system supplied by Proterra Powered, providing zero-emission operation under the same common powertrain. Under the multi-year supply agreement signed in September 2022, Proterra will supply its S-Series battery system to power ENC’s Axess Battery Electric Bus (EVO-BE), which will be available in 32-foot, 35-foot, and 40-foot model variants. In terms of battery power, the US American company promises an “industry-leading 738 kWh of battery energy storage”. Deliveries of the first Proterra battery-powered ENC Axess EVO-BEs are expected to begin in 2023.
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