Calstart has begun testing new and existing fuel cell technologies on buses in California to help commercialise hydrogen systems.

The project will cost about $24 million including $12 million from the US Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and is expected to take between 12 to 18 months with some areas being investigated for up to four years.

John Boesel, President and Chief Executive Officer of WestStart-Calstart, said: "These projects are integral parts of our multi-path roadmap to more quickly improve hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and move them to the market.

"Given California's first-mover need for cleaner, lower carbon transportation, the state is the ideal epicentre for these efforts," he added.

One of the projects will develop a purpose-built next-generation fuel cell bus featuring an upgraded 120-kilowatt fuel cell system.

James Simpson, FTA Administrator, said: "This partnership with the leaders in the transit industry will spur - and speed - innovation."

Source:

Calstart starts up fuel cell bus projects, 30/01/08
http://media.cleantech.com/2386/calstart-starts-up-fuel-cell-bus-projects

Five major Calstart fuel cell bus projects now underway - part of focused technology development effort, 29/01/08
http://www.calstart.org/aboutus/nl_detail.php?id=101

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