3 Foton fuel cell buses are set to operate in Tasmania

Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD) announces that it has been selected to provide three Hydrogen Fuel Cell electric buses to Metro Tasmania. The tender process commenced in mid-2022 and culminated in the recent signing of Unconditional Contracts and confirmation of funding, Foton points out.

The FCEB trial, to be centred on Hobart, will commence in early 2024 and run for three years, in tandem with a two-year Battery Electric Bus (BEB) trial centred on Launceston (Custom Bus Group will supply the battery electric buses and associated battery chargers).

FMD is the exclusive Australian distributor of Foton Motor and Asiastar new energy vehicles.

Foton Motor to provide fuel cell buses in Tasmania

The projects are key to the Tasmanian Governments target of Net Zero emissions by 2030.

“Being one of the few places in the World to already be 100% self-sufficient in renewable electricity, the Tasmanian Government can utilize this advantage to produce “Green” hydrogen for use across Industry, including Heavy Transport”, still the manufacturer states.

Neil Wang, CEO of FMD commented “We are extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with Metro Tasmania in relation to this trial. 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. The FMD Team look forward to working closely with Metro Tasmania to ensure the trial is a success, leading to the advancement of Hydrogen e-mobility as a significant alternative to achieve CO2 reductions”.