Proterra Introduces Prototype Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus

Proterra LLC showcased the prototype of its new HFC35, a 35’ composite body, battery-dominant hybrid-electric transit bus at the 2008 APTA Expo in San Diego, California from 5th-8th October. This advanced bus is designed to accommodate a variety of auxiliary power units (APUs) including diesel, gasoline and CNG; the bus featured at the APTA Expo employed two Hydrogenics 16 kW hydrogen fuel cell APUs and a UQM® PowerPhase® 150 electric propulsion system.

Proterra developed the HFC35 hydrogen fuel cell hybrid electric bus with funding from the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) National Fuel Cell Bus Program.

The buses uses Proterra's TerraVolt™ fast-charging energy storage system, including proprietary battery modules, battery management and energy optimization systems. Designed and integrated right into Proterra's composite body floor system, the TerraVolt™ system can be recharged by either using a Proterra rapid charge station at route layovers, by plugging in overnight, or during operation from any form of APU.

Proterra claims that vehicle operators can realize up to $350,000 savings in total fuel expense savings over the 12-year life of the bus as compared to a conventional diesel bus. The all-composite vehicle body is 34' 9" in length and seats 37 passengers.

The prototype on display at Expo will be completed and expected to be put into service in the First Quarter of 2009 on a FTA-sponsored nationwide trial starting in Columbia, South Carolina.

Source: Fuel Cell Today