Falkirk-based Alexander Dennis Ltd (ADL), a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc, one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, recenty announced that its next generation double deck hydrogen bus will deliver a zero-emission range of up to 300 miles. The ground-breaking vehicle will be powered by a Ballard fuel cell power module through a Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS).

Designed and fully built in Britain, the bus is being developed under the project name H2.0 and is expected to be on the road before the end of the year. It supports the development of skills in the growing clean vehicle technology sector and boosts the UK hydrogen economy, while delivering the Government’s net-zero targets through the carbon-neutral electrification of high-mileage bus routes.

H2.0 is ADL’s second-generation hydrogen platform, incorporating learnings from nationwide trials to set new standards for range and efficiency and builds on more than 25 years’ hydrogen experience of New Flyer, another NFI Group subsidiary and one of the global pioneers in hydrogen buses.

With hydrogen tanks and key components intelligently packaged by the engineers that developed the market’s widest range of clean buses, ADL’s next-generation hydrogen bus is an integral vehicle design that perfectly balances weight and maximises saloon space.

Powered by a class-leading Ballard fuel cell power module, it continues ADL’s philosophy of working with only the best in its field. Specified to just the right power output, the fuel cells minimise fuel consumption and maximise performance for lowest total cost of ownership. With fewer higher volume tanks, H2.0 reduces maintenance effort while increasing fuel capacity to deliver increased zero-emission range.

H2.0 uses the latest technology in the form of the Voith Electrical Drive System which boosts energy regeneration during the braking phase and delivers increased efficiency that is further enhanced by advanced thermal management. This uses excess heat from the fuel cells and driveline to heat the saloon, minimising additional power requirement.

Paul Davies, ADL president and managing director, said: “H2.0 is going to be a milestone for zero emission technology with unrivalled efficiency that gives a class-leading range, perfect for high mileage routes that battery technology does not cover.

“Designed and built in Britain, the next-generation hydrogen bus will retain investment in the economy and boost skills in clean vehicle technology, a crucial sector for future development as the UK targets net-zero emissions by 2050.”