Gillig partners with BAE Systems and Ballard on H2 bus model

North American bus manufacturer Gillig announced that it will add the first model with a hydrogen fuel cell drive to its portfolio. It is developed with BAE Systems and Ballard Power Systems and will go into production in 2026.

Gillig has focussed on battery electric and hybrid buses in the past. For example, a few weeks ago, Gillig signed a framework agreement to supply up to 395 battery-electric buses to Seattle. The manufacturer has used Akasol battery systems from BorgWarner for its electric buses.

The US manufacturer now wants to offer H2 buses from 2026. The company has yet to reveal any technical specifications. An accompanying press release only states in general terms that integrating Ballard’s fuel cell technology and BAE Systems’ electric drivetrain with Gillig’s low-floor platform will be an emission-free solution with a long range.

Gillig intends to use this to expand its customer base. Transport operators “in diverse climates and terrains” can benefit from reliable, zero-emission buses. “Understanding the unique operational challenges faced by each transit agency – from varying duty cycles and geographic terrains to diverse climates and depot locations – is fundamental to our vision of improving quality of life through transformative mass transit solutions,” stated Benjamin Grunat, GILLIG’s Vice President of Product Planning and Strategy.

gillig.com