New Flyer wins order for fuel cell buses in Illinois

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Bus manufacturer New Flyer of America Inc., a subsidiary of Winnipeg-based NFI Group Inc., announced Feb. 25 that the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) in Illinois has awarded it a contract for two hydrogen fuel cell-electric sixty-foot Xcelsior CHARGE H2 buses.

The zero-emission Xcelsior CHARGE H2 bus is a battery-electric vehicle using compressed hydrogen as an energy source, as well as fuel cell technology from Vancouver-based manufacturer Ballard Power Systems.

Since 1993, New Flyer has delivered 175 buses to MTD, the public transportation provider in the Champaign, Urbana and Savoy regions of Illinois.

Chris Stoddart, president, New Flyer, said in a prepared statement, “Since 1993, we have worked closely alongside MTD to transform mobility in the Champaign, Urbana and Savoy regions with innovative, fully accessible and more sustainable transit. Today, we celebrate another accomplishment in a longstanding partnership that is pioneering a zero-emission future powered by fuel cell electric propulsion.”

Karl Gnadt, managing director of MTD, added, “For years we have counted on New Flyer buses for safe, reliable and efficient transportation, and our future with zero-emission Xcelsior CHARGE H2 buses will bring cleaner air, quiet transportation and healthier environments to our community. Together, we are truly leading the way to greater mobility.”