Loop Energy, a developer and manufacturer of H₂ fuel cell solutions, announces it will enter the promising Australian bus market as a supplier of fuel cell modules to Aluminum Revolutionary Chassis Company (ARCC), the developer and manufacturer of Australia’s first lightweight bolted aluminum city bus chassis. ARCC becomes Loop Energy’s first Australian customer and underlines the country’s growing interest in utilizing H₂-electric vehicles to achieve its emissions reduction targets.

Loop Energy’s T600 (60 kW) fuel cell module will be integrated into ARCC’s 12.5-meter Viking Hydrolight city bus model, which aims to be in service by 2023. Designed for city bus operations in Australia, it will be built around ARCC’s distinctive lightweight chassis, which uses an aluminum frame and is primarily bolted, with less than 5% weld parts. Combined with the increased fuel efficiency of Loop Energy’s eFlow technology, the lighter bus weight will reduce fuel consumption while allowing for greater passenger capacity compared to other electric buses on the market.

ARCC currently has a H₂-electric bus participating in a New South Wales State Government led trial to help inform how H₂ technologies may factor in a broader rollout of zero-emissions buses. In 2019, Australia launched its National H₂ Strategy, underpinning its intent to become a major global player in H₂ by 2030. The New South Wales and Queensland governments have committed to scaling the production of green H₂ and launching over 10,000 H₂-electric vehicles collectively.

“The electric bus market is quickly emerging as an important market segment for fuel cells. We are very proud that we have continued to grow our footprint in this sector in Europe, China, Asia and now in Australia,” said Loop Energy Chief Commercial Officer, George Rubin. “We view the partnership with ARCC as a positive step to continuing our inroads into the electric bus market and supporting the development of next-generation bus platforms globally.”

“ARCC is proud to manufacture the only zero-emissions bus designed with a full-length aluminum chassis in Australia,” said ARCC Managing Director, Peter Murley. “We are excited to have Loop Energy’s eFlow technology play an important role in powering the Viking Hydrolight bus.”

Loop Energy and ARCC aim to unveil the first fuel cell bus at the Australia Bus & Coach Expo in October 2022. The partnership will also see the two companies develop strategies to position Viking Hydrolight buses as a sustainable and efficient solution for transit operators in Australia and worldwide.