Ideanomics has been selected by Fenton Mobility Products to build five hydrogen-powered zero emission buses for New York.
The transit vans are for the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) and the value of the order exceeds $2.2m, with the cost of the buses covered by funds from a $23m grant the RGRTA received from the US Department of Transportation.
Under the agreement, Fenton will deliver a pilot hydrogen fuel cell battery electric van to the RGRTA. Once the pilot completes the FTA-mandated Altoona durability testing period and meets all requirements, production on five additional vehicles will begin and be delivered in 2024.
New York has set the goal of several transit systems across the state – including RGRTA – to fully transition fleets to zero emissions by 2035.
Miguel Velázquez, RGRTA CEO, said, “As we work to meet New York State’s goal of having a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035, we are focused on identifying the zero-emission solution that meets our operational needs and provides the level of reliability that our customers expect.”
Through its subsidiary US Hybrid, Ideanomics will assemble the hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system and manufacture associated components at its engineering facility in Torrance, California, whilst Fenton will install the hydrogen propulsion kit into the vans.
Last year, Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that New York wants to become a hydrogen hub, following the signing of a multi-state agreement with 40 hydrogen ecosystem partners to develop a proposal for its ambitions.
The New York-led consortium, which also includes Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey, wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 85% by 2050.
By being a hydrogen hub, New York will be able to connect the entire value chain of hydrogen producers, users, technology and equipment manufacturers.
The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Council was officially launched last year to advance hydrogen fuel cell bus deployments for public transport in the US.
