Loop Energy supplies hydrogen fuel cell module to power Slovakian composite transit bus 

Loop Energy (Burnaby, Canada) a developer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cell-based solutions, has announced the order of the company’s S300 fuel cell module to Slovakia-based company, Mobility & Innovation a.s. (M&I), to fuel the electric powertrain of M&I’s new eight-meter transit bus as part of the company’s composite platform. This order is the first under the commercial agreement signed between the parties, which anticipates more than $1.9 million USD in fuel cell shipments from Loop Energy over the next two and a half years.

“This marks the start of a new era in Slovakian bus manufacturing,” says János Onódi, CEO and co-owner of M&I. “Combining our best-in-class lightweight composite body truck and our technology with Loop Energy, one of the best fuel cell platforms in the world, is a natural and exciting next step for us.”

M&I says it is the developer of a lightweight and zero-emission city bus platform, known for its zero emissions powertrain and industry-leading GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) for a zero-emission transit bus vehicle. Manufactured with laminate composite materials, M&I buses are lighter than comparable steel vehicles. M&I says the low-curb weight enables greater passenger capacity, while still meeting even the most stringent of axel load requirements.

To further meet the need for both power density and fuel-efficient energy, M&I has selected Loop Energy to provide the company’s proprietary fuel cell modules. M&I notes that Loop Energy is able to deliver power and enable a smaller fuel storage system without compromising the weight or range of the bus. The fuel cell system will also aid in improved total cost of ownership for M&I’s customers.

“Mobility & Innovation’s M&I family of vehicles offers a great fit with both municipal and private bus fleet operators’ requirements. We are excited about being a part of the upcoming launch of the hydrogen electric model of the M&I bus,” says George Rubin, Chief commercial officer of Loop Energy. “Municipal transit is a great example of a vertical market with a very strong business case for hydrogen electric vehicles and as a result, we maintain a strong focus on establishing strategic partnerships with bus OEMs across the key geographic markets.”