Bus manufacturer builds new hydrogen-electric vehicle

Rampini, an Italian bus manufacturer, unveiled its first hydrogen-electric bus, the HYDRON. The bus is powered by Loop Energy’s innovative hydrogen fuel cell system, says the company in a press release.

Rampini developed the HYDRON bus using its battery-electric bus model, with modifications to incorporate fuel storage and a Loop Energy S300 (30 kW) fuel cell engine. At 8-metres long, the bus has a capacity for up to 48 passengers and is fitted with a 10.8-kilogram hydrogen tank that allows for a range of 450 kilometers. The extended range of the bus means operators do not have to refuel while in service.

“We are very grateful for Loop Energy’s contribution to the launch of our HYDRON bus,” said Rampini General Manager, Fabio Magnoni. “A few years ago, we decided to focus on electric buses instead of diesel, and the interest from customers around Europe has been exceptional. To offer a hydrogen-electric bus means we can deliver fleet operators a reliable and economical zero-emissions solution.”

Plenty of reasons to go for hydrogen; or are there? – Innovation Origins

This summer we wrote a series on ‘The Netherlands, hydrogen land’. In this concluding article we present four reasons why we should switch to hydrogen and one reason not to.