By 2024, a strategic alliance between Luxfer Gas Cylinders, headquartered in Nottingham, and international engineering consultancy Ricardo will deliver 150 hydrogen-powered buses on British roads.
Stagecoach Northeast has deployed Luxfer’s hydrogen storage system on a double-decker prototype bus. As a result of rigorous testing on Teesside and assessments of Brighton and Hove, the bus has been transformed to run on hydrogen fuel cell systems. Originally powered by diesel, it has been converted to operate on hydrogen fuel cell systems.
In addition to receiving partial financial support from the Department for Transport, the project seeks to elevate hydrogen as a clean, renewable technology for mass transit in order to extend the functional lifespan of existing diesel buses.
Equipped with Luxfer’s unique G-Stor™ H2 cylinders, the modified bus employs a five-cylinder arrangement encased in a tailor-made modular framework, boasting a hydrogen storage volume of 24.5 kg.
A prototype vehicle has demonstrated impressive operational metrics, clocking fuel efficiency of 17 km per kg when using green hydrogen, thus generating no emissions. The level of efficiency is comparable to those currently available on fuel cell buses, but further improvements can be made during production.
Jim Gregory, European business development manager at Luxfer Gas Cylinders, said: “Supporting the UK transport sector’s shift from diesel and petrol to more sustainable fuels means we need to offer options that are not only clean and green but commercially viable too. Many operators who have invested in diesel vehicles are now left with stock that has a much-shortened lifespan. Retrofitting buses to run on hydrogen makes sense, and at Luxfer we have the capability to work with partners to bring bespoke projects to fruition.
“Companies, like Ricardo, are making strides in adopting hydrogen technology, and we’re proud of our role in providing the right environment for others to do the same.”
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