Public transport authority RTC awards third zero-emission contract to NFI, securing 107 New Flyer fuel cell electric buses, boosting eco-friendly, high-capacity transportation in Southern Nevada.
In the vibrant heart of the Las Vegas Valley, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is spearheading a significant shift towards sustainable public transportation. The RTC's public transit system delivers over 64 million annual passenger rides, and this number is set to grow with the introduction of the latest addition to their fleet - the Xcelsior CHARGE FC buses.
These 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses (FCEB) are the product of New Flyer Industries (NFI), a global leader in zero-emission mobility. The buses are set to operate on RTC's Maryland Parkway, a 13-mile bus rapid transit route, as part of RTC's ACCESS2050, a regional transportation plan focused on enhancing the transportation system across Southern Nevada.
The Xcelsior CHARGE FC buses incorporate four distinct technology advancements, including a lighter, simpler, and more efficient heavy-duty fuel cell power module, recyclable high-power batteries, a redesigned waterproof battery enclosure, and a high-grade, electric drive traction system with up to 90% energy recovery. This makes the buses the most advanced hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses in North America.
This is the third zero-emission contract between NFI and the RTC, signifying a strong partnership aimed at deploying zero-emission buses. The contract, spanning a five-year period, includes an initial order for 7 buses, with an option to purchase up to 100 more over the duration of the contract.
NFI, a leading global bus manufacturer, has a team of 7,700 team members in nine countries. Their commitment to innovation in zero-emission transit is evident, with NFI Group Inc. having received this contract to supply up to 107 zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell electric buses.
New Flyer, the company behind these advanced buses, is North America's heavy-duty transit bus leader, offering the most advanced product line under the Xcelsior and Xcelsior CHARGE brands. They actively support over 35,000 heavy-duty transit buses currently in service, of which 8,600 are powered by electric motors and battery propulsion and 1,900 are zero-emission.
For more information about NFI and their products, visit their websites at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.nfi.parts, www.alexander-dennis.com, www.arbocsv.com, and www.carfaircomposites.com. NFI also operates the Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC), an innovation lab dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology and providing workforce development. Since opening in late 2017, the VIC has hosted over 350 interactive events and welcomed 7,000 industry professionals for EV and infrastructure training.
The Xcelsior CHARGE FC buses are a testament to the strides being made in zero-emission mobility and the ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation in Southern Nevada. The buses are supported by Federal Transit Administration funds and are expected to significantly contribute to RTC's mission of delivering reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly public transit services.
[1] Source: NFI Group Inc. press release, dated 19th July 2023. [2] Source: New Flyer Industries Inc. website, accessed on 20th July 2023. [3] Source: Hydrogen Fuel News, article titled "New Flyer's Xcelsior CHARGE FC Buses: The Future of Zero-Emission Transit", published on 20th July 2023.
- The Regional Transportation Commission's latest addition to their fleet, the Xcelsior CHARGE FC buses, are a product of innovation in zero-emission mobility led by New Flyer Industries, a global leader in the industry.
- The Xcelsior CHARGE FC buses, with their advanced technology and focus on environmental-science, are set to operate on a 13-mile bus rapid transit route in Las Vegas, a step towards reducing climate-change and promoting sustainable transportation.
- The introduction of these hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses represents a financial commitment and a collaborative effort between the Regional Transportation Commission and New Flyer Industries, with a contract spanning over five years and an initial order for 7 buses, with an option for more.
- New Flyer Industries, with their team of 7,700 team members in nine countries, is at the forefront of technological advancements in the transportation industry, focusing on energy-efficient solutions for public transportation, including electric and hydrogen fuel cell- electric buses.
