New bus a milestone fuel cell vehicle

A fuel cell hybrid electric bus being developed by Mobile Energy Solutions, of Golden, Colorado is soon to be powered by new motors from UQM Technologies.

UQM's newly introduced 150 kW permanent magnet propulsion motors are to propel the 35 foot long fuel cell-based bus, which boasts impressive specifications.

The bus features an all composite body manufactured by Martin Marietta Composites and two 16 kW automotive fuel cells from Hydrogenics. The batteries, which are only six inches tall, are incorporated in the floor.

An early look at the bus >> 

The low floor design, in combination with the absence of a traditional engine, allows passenger seating for 37 people, equal to that of a conventional 40 foot bus.

Most of the vehicle's power comes from batteries, which are recharged by being plugged into the power grid at night. The onboard fuel cell auxiliary power system generates supplemental power to extend the range of the vehicle.

"Unlike other fuel cell bus programs that are placing large fuel cells in conventional transit buses, we are developing a composite body bus that has been specifically designed for these advanced technologies," said Dale Hill, CEO of Mobile Energy Solutions.

"We have been able to reduce the weight of the vehicle, dramatically improving passenger carrying capability and roughly tripling the fuel mileage compared to conventional buses of similar size."

"UQM's 150kW propulsion system, with its exceptional torque and light weight, will allow our bus to have superb acceleration while maximizing the range between recharges, due to the propulsion system's highly energy efficient operation," said William G. Rankin, President and CEO of UQM Technologies. 

UQM makes power dense electric motors, generators and power electronic controllers for the automotive, aerospace, medical, military and industrial markets.