Champaign-Urbana MTD expands zero-emission mobility with New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE H2 buses
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) has awarded New Flyer a contract for two zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell-electric, 60-foot Xcelsior CHARGE H2™ heavy-duty transit buses (for a total of four equivalent units).
According to New Flyer, MTD is the first in the nation to commercially order 60-foot, zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell buses. The purchase, supported by the Center for Transportation and the Environment, continues to support MTD’s 2014 strategic plan which includes a goal to deliver high quality traditional and innovative transportation services that are safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and user friendly. Since 1993, New Flyer has delivered 175 buses to MTD, and today its fleet is 85 percent hybrid.
“New Flyer congratulates MTD on this milestone accomplishment in America’s zero-emission adoption, with the first commercial order of 60-foot fuel cell-electric buses,” said Chris Stoddart, president, New Flyer. “Since 1993, we have worked closely alongside MTD to transform mobility in the Champaign, Urbana and Savoy regions with innovative, fully accessible and more sustainable transit. Today, we celebrate another accomplishment in a longstanding partnership that is pioneering a zero-emission future powered by fuel-cell electric propulsion.”
The Xcelsior CHARGE H2™ bus is a battery-electric vehicle using compressed hydrogen as an energy source, as well as Ballard Power Systems fuel cell technology. Fuel cell electric technology complements battery-electric propulsion with the ability to provide extended range of fully zero-emissions operations.
“We’re proud to rely on New Flyer through the continued evolution of the MTD fleet,” said Karl Gnadt, managing director of MTD. “For years we have counted on New Flyer buses for safe, reliable and efficient transportation, and our future with zero-emission Xcelsior CHARGE H2™ buses will bring cleaner air, quiet transportation and healthier environments to our community. Together, we are truly leading the way to greater mobility.”
