The positive environmental impact of emission-free bus transportation is tremendous. Buses and heavy-duty commercial vehicles represent just 7 percent of the United States’ vehicle miles traveled. However, when looking at on-road vehicle emissions overall, these vehicles produce disproportionate shares of NOx (nitrogen oxides) and particulate matter emissions – 50 percent NOx and 60 percent particulates. Through a visionary partnership, UTC Power in Connecticut, California-based AC Transit, SunLine Transit and ISE Corporation, and VanHool in Belgium are working to revolutionize the public transportation sector with hydrogen-fueled hybrid-electric fuel cell buses. The end result is a zero-emission, super-efficient and whisper-quiet bus.

“This project proves that we can make alternative fuel technology work today, not at some vague, remote point in the future.”

C. Mikel Oglesby
General Manager,
SunLine Transit Agency

Zero Emissions

Zero. Zip. Nada. No matter how you say it the VanHool A330 fuel cell-powered hybrid bus produces no smog-forming pollutants, soot or any other harmful emissions. In fact, the only thing coming out of the tailpipe is water vapor, nothing more. So go ahead and take a deep breath as the bus pulls away. Whether you are a passenger onboard or waiting at the bus stop, you will enjoy the clean and quiet benefits of our technology.

Extremely Quiet Operation

The fuel cell used in this innovative bus is ultra quiet. It has no moving parts and operates at near-ambient pressure, so it does not require an air compressor. This unique design results in a cabin noise environment that rivals a luxury sedan – ensuring tranquil travel for passengers and reducing noise pollution in cities and communities.


 Energy Productivity

Fuel cell-powered buses benefit us all by doing more while using less of our precious natural resources. Extracting twice as much energy from the same amount of fuel, this fuel cell hybrid bus is able to go 350 miles on one tank of hydrogen. 

Working together the PureMotion Model 120 fuel cell power system and ISE Corporation’s hybrid-electric drive system enable the bus to achieve nearly two times the efficiency of a conventional diesel-powered bus.


 Energy Security

The PureMotion Model 120 system is powered by hydrogen. Traditional fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal; renewable energy sources like solar, wind and biomass; and nuclear energy can all be used to produce hydrogen. Hydrogen is, therefore, an energy carrier that could be produced entirely from domestic sources – contributing toward our energy independence. The widespread use of hydrogen would provide a more diversified and secure energy infrastructure.

“As a public transit agency, one of our goals has always been to provide the best possible service. Providing a service that doesn’t pollute our neighborhoods is the next logical step.”

Rick Fernandez
General Manager, AC Transit


 Energy Responsibility

One PureMotion Model 120 fuel cell power system reduces NOx emissions equivalent to removing 77 cars* from the roadways per year and creates the same environmental benefits as planting 31 acres** of forest.