Canada's Loop Energy to fuel M&I's lightweight zero-emission bus
July 02, 2021 - Canada
Loop Energy, a developer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cell-based solutions, is to provide its proprietary fuel cell modules to Slovakia-based Mobility & Innovation (M&I) for its lightweight and zero-emission city bus platform. Loop can deliver power and enable a smaller fuel storage system without compromising the weight or range of the bus.
The S300 fuel cell module will fuel the electric powertrain of M&I’s new 8-metre transit bus as part of the company’s M&I composite platform.
This order is the first under the commercial agreement signed between the parties, which anticipates over $1.9 million in fuel cell shipments from Loop Energy over the next two and a half years.
“This marks the start of a new era in Slovakian bus manufacturing,” said János Onódi, chief executive officer and co-owner of Mobility & Innovation. “Combining our best-in-class lightweight composite body truck and our technology with Loop Energy, one of the best fuel cell platforms in the world, is a natural and exciting next step for us.”
M&I is the developer of a lightweight and zero-emission city bus platform, known for its zero emissions powertrain and industry leading GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) for a zero-emission transit bus vehicle. Manufactured with laminate composite materials, M&I buses are lighter than comparable steel vehicles. The low-curb weight enables greater passenger capacity, while still meeting even the most stringent of axel load requirements.
To further meet the need for both power density and fuel-efficient energy, M&I has selected Loop Energy to provide their proprietary fuel cell modules. Loop can deliver power and enable a smaller fuel storage system without compromising the weight or range of the bus. The fuel cell system will also aid in improved total cost of ownership for M&I’s customers.
“Mobility & Innovation’s M&I family of vehicles offers a great fit with both municipal and private bus fleet operators’ requirements. We are very excited about being a part of the upcoming launch of the hydrogen electric model of the M&I bus,” said George Rubin, chief commercial officer of Loop Energy. “Municipal transit is a great example of a vertical market with a very strong business case for hydrogen electric vehicles and as a result, we maintain a strong focus on establishing strategic partnerships with bus OEMs across the key geographic markets.”