New hydrogen-powered bus coming to Austin, Texas

University of Texas teams with Capital Metro for new hydrogen transportation project

Hydrogen-powered buses seem to be a craze in the U.S. In some parts of the country, these buses are becoming commonplace. The city of Austin, Texas, is expecting to receive its first hydrogen-powered bus sometime this month. The University of Texas at Austin has announced that it has partnered with Capital Metro, a public transportation provider for the city, to roll out a new kind of hydrogen-powered bus that is said to be more efficient and powerful than other models.

Hydrogen Hybrid Bus to make the rounds in Austin

The city’s new Hydrogen Hybrid Bus is part of the Federal Transit Administration’s National Fuel Cell Bus Program. The program seeks to equip many of the country’s largest cities with hydrogen-powered buses. These buses are considered a viable way to reduce CO2 emissions and reduce the costs associated with energy and public transportation. The bus arrived in Austin in March of this year, but has not yet entered operation. Capital Metro will begin operating the bus on public transportation routes this month.

University to embolden the city’s hydrogen fuel infrastructure

The University of Texas Center for Electromechanics (UT-CET) has taken on the role of establishing a hydrogen fuel infrastructure in the city. UT-CET has built a preliminary hydrogen fuel station that will service the bus and has plans to establish a more permanent and comprehensive fueling system while the bus is operational. Researchers with the university are currently working on developing new hydrogen storage technologies that will allow the fuel station to operate more efficiently.

Hydrogen-powered bus trial expected to be a success for the city

The Hydrogen Hybrid Bus was previously operating in South Carolina, where it had been used for public transportation in the same way that it will be used in Austin. As part of the FTA’s program, the hydrogen-powered bus will operate in large cities around the country in an effort to show how viable hydrogen fuel cells can be for public transportation. The University of Texas and Capital Metro will be incorporating the lessons they have learned by examining the performance of the vehicle in its previous location.

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