BAE Systems to supply electric drivetrain for fuel cell buses in Rochester, New York

BAE Systems will supply its latest electric drivetrain for three hydrogen fuel cell buses in Rochester, New York. With this new technology, the buses will be able to run without producing emissions, and contribute to the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint and moving towards a zero-emission fleet will advance.

BAE Systems drivetrain for fuel cell buses in Rochester

The order will be funded by the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Grant Program, which aims to support the transition to low- and zero-emission public transit fleets. This is the first hydrogen fuel cell bus order to benefit from BAE Systems’ Gen3 electric drive system.

BAE Systems’ electric propulsion system will be integrated with Plug Power’s 125kW Progen hydrogen fuel cell engine, BAE says. Plug Power will also provide fueling infrastructure to support the project.

The Gen3 Series-H system includes an electric motor, energy storage system, and modular power electronics.

The Gen3 systems will be produced at the company’s manufacturing facilities in Endicott, New York, which employs over 1,300 high-tech jobs in the state.

“We are proud to accelerate Rochester’s clean energy goals with turnkey hydrogen solutions using technology made right here in New York,” said Steve Trichka, vice president, and general manager of Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our Gen3 system will provide highly efficient and sustainable transportation operations through advanced clean hydrogen innovation.”