USA: Orange County orders 50 zero-emission buses
The 40-foot buses will be delivered by US bus manufacturer New Flyer and should hit the road in Orange County in Southern California by late 2026. OCTA has invested $77.5 million (73.5 million euros) in the new zero-emission buses and aims to replace its entire fleet with zero-emission vehicles by 2040, as mandated by the state of California. Furthermore, the Clean Transit Rule requires 25% of new bus purchases to be zero-emission starting in 2023 and increasing to 50% by 2026 and 100% by 2029.
Though OCTA does not explicitly state which models it has purchased, it is likely the battery-electric Xcelsior Charge NG and fuel cell-electric Xcelsior Charge FC. The former comes with a battery pack with a combined energy content of 345 to 520 kWh. Considering OCTA purchased the 40-foot variant (12 metres), it will offer a range of up to 254 miles (409 kilometres) in the maximum battery configuration with 520 kWh. However, as mentioned before, it is not clear what variant OCTA opted for.
In the case of the fuel cell variant, the Xcelsior Charge FC can go up to 370 miles (around 600 kilometres) on a single refuelling, according to New Flyer. It offers room for more than 80 passengers – 40 seated and 42 standing, as well as two wheelchair locations. The fuel cell is provided by Ballard Power Systems. Metro Magazine stated that the new buses will feature a full suite of technology and safety features, including video surveillance systems, reverse-motion cameras, and fire and hydrogen detection systems.
The newly purchased buses will replace CNG units currently in service. The FCEVs and BEVs are, in part, funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and California Climate Investments. Moreover, OCTA approved the installation of eleven depot chargers, which cost $2.2 million (approx. 2 million euros).
OCTA concluded a Zero-Emission Bus Pilot Program, which involved testing fuel-cell and battery-electric buses in 2020 and 2022, respectively. The pilot program included ten buses with each technology.
“I’m proud that OCTA is an industry leader in transitioning to zero-emission technology,” said OCTA Chair Tam T. 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.”
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