Left-hand drive version of the bus Foton Mobility intends to import and then make in Australia. Supplied
Chinese bus manufacturer Foton has is to supply three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses to Metro Tasmania, the state-owned public transport group.
The three FCEBs will run in Hobart as part of a three-year trial to begin in early 2024, which will run in tandem with a two-year battery electric bus (BEB) trial to be run in Launceston.
The two trials are central to the Tasmanian government’s target to hit net zero emissions by 2030. Tasmania is well placed to deliver zero emissions transport through either electric of fuel cell buses given its grid is already 100% powered by renewable energy, mostly hydro but also a growing number of wind farms and some rooftop solar.
“FMD will bring to the table over 12 years of hydrogen vehicle experience, including technical and operational data via our OEM, supported by safety and skills training in the safe operation and maintenance of the vehicles,” said Neil Wang, CEO of Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD).
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
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