ADL decker goes hydrogen-powered

Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL) is adding hydrogen fuel cell buses to its range of low and zero emission buses. The technology has been developed on an Enviro400 double-decker, which has delivered best-in-class performance during route shadowing trials.

To explore the potential for this technology, ADL has been working on a hydrogen double decker for over two years. Based on the Enviro400, it has been developed through extensive collaboration between ADL’s in-house Advanced Engineering teams and specialist hydrogen and fuel cell system integrators, Arcola Energy. The hydrogen-powered bus has an electric driveline with axle-mounted motors. The onboard battery is charged by feeding hydrogen from secure tanks to a fuel cell system where it is converted to electricity. No external battery charging is required and the vehicle’s only emission is water vapour.

A prototype bus has been through several design iterations to optimise performance and ensure highest standards of regulatory and safety compliance. The prototype has completed route shadowing trials in several UK cities. ADL says operators supporting the route shadowing trials have commented positively on the performance achieved. ADL is now taking orders for this product and will be working with cities, operators and other stakeholders around the UK to further explore the potential for hydrogen fuel cell buses through fleet trials.

ADL Chief Executive Colin Robertson said: “ADL continues to support bus operators across the UK by collaborating to develop new technologies that help achieve environmental and operational targets. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is part of the mix of solutions and we are delighted to now offer this option to the industry.”

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