Alexander Dennis has been selected by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to supply 20 zero-emission hydrogen double-deck buses.
This is the first order for the Scottish bus manufacturer’s H2.0 second-generation hydrogen platform, which has been designed to be more energy efficient to cover greater distances between refuelling.
The 20 Enviro400FCEV buses are being directly purchased through the Liverpool City Region’s Transforming Cities Fund and will be owned by the people of the City Region. The buses will initially serve the city region’s busiest route, the 10A between St Helens and Liverpool city centre.
The Enviro400FCEV will be powered by a Ballard fuel-cell power module through a Voith electrical drive system. The hydrogen tanks and key components have been packaged to balance weight and maximise saloon space.
The hydrogen bus project forms part of Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram’s ‘Vision for Bus’, which commits to using the powers available through devolution to build a better, more reliable and affordable bus network for the city region. Broader plans also include the building of hydrogen refuelling facilities, which will be the first of their kind in the North West, due to begin later in the year.
With Rotheram having set a target for Liverpool City Region to become net zero carbon by 2040, the hydrogen buses are an important addition to the region’s existing fleet, which is currently more than 70% low emissions.
Rotheram said: “Some 82% of all journeys on public transport in our region are taken by bus and this new fleet will give people a clean, green and comfortable way to get about. Reforming our bus network is a massive part of my plan for an integrated London-style transport network that makes travelling around our region quick, cheap and reliable.”
