Canada / USA - New Flyer Industries Group (NFI) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada has unveiled both 40ft single and 60ft articulated zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses, under the name Xcelsior Charge H2. NFI announced both the 40ft and 60ft models have completed the FTA Altoona Testing process and are eligible for federal funding. NFI claims the 60ft variant is the first fuel cell articulated bus of this length to undergo Federal Transit Authority testing at Altoona.

Both buses feature the latest Siemens ELFA2 electric drive system, while the 60ft version is supplemented with the inclusion of a ZF AVE130 portal electric axle with in-wheel motors operating as the central drive axle. Regenerative braking recharges on board batteries to give extended zero-emission range. Ballard FCVelocity HD85 fuel cells are employed on both buses. Both vehicles have a claimed range of over 300 miles per full tank of hydrogen and refuelling takes between six and 20 minutes depending on the delivery system available. For operations in areas where there are challenging gradients, the customer is advised to specify the option of higher powered motors. Standard equipment delivers 160kW (214hp) with 1,033lb-ft (1400Nm) of torque on the 40ft model and 210kW (280hp) with 1,475lb-ft (2000Nm) torque on the articulated model.