New Flyer is one of North America’s largest bus builders, and zero-emission buses (ZEBs) are a growing part of its business. In 2016, the company delivered 213 “equivalent units” as zero-emission buses (one standard transit bus or motor coach equals one equivalent unit, one articulated bus equals two). This represents 8.3% of New Flyer’s total heavy-duty transit bus production for the year.

New Flyer manufactures three types of ZEBs: battery-electric, trolley-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell. All are based on the company’s Xcelsior platform, are driven by electric motors, and share common electric accessories.

The company is currently validating a 60-foot articulated battery-electric bus with a fuel cell range extender.

New Flyer’s partners include Siemens, XALT Energy, A123 Systems, Cummins and, for hydrogen fuel cells, Ballard Power Systems and Hydrogenics.

According to the company, each zero-emission transit bus can eliminate 1,690 tons of CO₂ over its 12-year lifespan, equivalent to taking 27 cars off the road. It also eliminates 10 tons of nitrogen oxides and 350 pounds of particulate matter.

“New Flyer believes that zero-emission acceptance has now hit a breakthrough level for the heavy-duty transit market in 2016,” said President Wayne Joseph. “We estimate that approximately 255 equivalent units of the heavy-duty transit bus deliveries in 2016 were zero-emission, and New Flyer is proud to have delivered more than 83%.”

Source: New Flyer