Hyzon Motors says its first hydrogen-powered coach is hitting the road in Brisbane where it is currently on display, making it the first fuel cell electric bus (FCEV) in Australia.
It partnered with bus and coach chassis builder BLK Auto to produce the 50-seat coach, which has about 700km range and 350kW of power.
Recognising that Australia’s vast distances and sparse infrastructure are unique challenges in a decarbonising world, the company says it’s growing its presence to serve the market.
“Zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles provide the operational capabilities of diesel vehicles – long range, significant power – with the environmental benefits of a battery electric vehicle,” Hyzon chief executive Craig Knight says.
“We applaud the various governments in Australia for recognising this and facilitating the adoption of hydrogen as evidenced by various funding packages and incentive programs.”
Australian interest is high, and Hyzon has already announced binding and non-binding agreements for refuse collection vehicles and ultra-heavy-duty prime movers in addition to the coaches.
“The coach has attracted significant interest since it arrived at our facility, with local bus operators, representatives from various government departments, mining companies and tourism operators coming to see the coach in action and learn more about how these zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell-powered coaches can be adopted in their respective industries,” BLK Auto managing director Jason Pecotic says.
While initial Hyzon vehicles will be imported from factories internationally, Hyzon expects to localise production of key platforms in Australia from 2022.
Hyzon is headquartered in Rochester, New York, with US operations in the Chicago and Detroit areas, and international operations in the Netherlands, Singapore, Australia, Germany, and China.
It aims to supply zero-emission heavy duty trucks and buses to customers in North America, Europe and around the world
BLK Auto is an automotive designer, importer, distributor and manufacturer of bus, coach, truck and vans in Australia and New Zealand.
It has introduced the JAC BEV commercial trucks range – JAC Motors majority owned by Volkswagen Group.
