Evolutionary Paths The evolutionary paths for vehicles and powertrains necessarily start with what exists today - internal combustion engines (ICE) operating on conventional fuels. Transit bus ICE powertrains are currently dominated by diesel but diesel hybrid-electrics and CNG buses also are being delivered.

BAE Systems Compound Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus The goal of this novel evolutionary path project is to trim capital cost and reduce operating costs by building on a highly efficient, commercial Orion hybrid bus design that balances a moderately-sized Hydrogenics fuel cell (15-25-kilowatt) as an auxiliary power unit (APU), an advanced BAE hybrid drive system and advanced energy storage in a “compound” affordable package.

MES Zero Emission Bus for Burbank This vehicle is a purpose built, composite body, “plug-in”, battery-dominant, hybrid-electric fuel cell bus. The fuel cells operate as an APU extending the range of the advanced lithium battery pack.

Sunline American Fuel Cell Bus – This direct path project develops a New Flyer next generation bus using composite materials and modern electronics for weight reduction specifically tailored for an upgraded UTC 120 kW fuel cell system. ISE Corp. will provide a lithium-ion energy storage system with a lighter weight and lower cost electric motive drive system.

 ZEE-TUG WestStart-CALSTART is assembling a zero emission enabling transit users group (ZEE-TUG) from seven transit agencies in Southern California to encourage the use of hydrogen in a very near term and in a very compelling, cost effective manner by pro-actively facilitating discussions of zero emission enabling propulsion technologies that offer the promise of reduced dependence on petroleum as a transportation fuel. The user orientation brings practical transit fleet experience into suggesting, evaluating and defining requirements for rollout of near-term technologies in transit fleets that prudently support the California Zero Emission Bus policy and understanding the cost-benefit of near-term or alternative pathways.  Technologies include fuel cells, battery-electrics, catenary, hydrogen and hydrogen-blend internal combustion engines.

 Results and Comparisons The results presented will contrast and compare various pathways forward in terms of data and objectives. The projects and systems include a portfolio of advanced powertrains that use hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid hydrogen fuel cells, and engines operating on hydrogen-blends or hydrogen and hybrid electric vehicles using hydrogen-fueled ICE.