In this project, the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) has partnered with the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) for a successful award under the Department of Energy’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2 Hubs). CTE will leverage its Zero-Emission Smart Deployment Methodology to provide tailored project support for the procurement of over 1,000 fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) and supporting infrastructure across 13 California transit agencies: Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, Foothill, Fresno Area Express, Gold Coast Transit District, Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority, North County Transit District, Omnitrans, Orange County Transit District, Riverside Transit Agency, San Mateo County Transit District, San Joaquin Regional Transit District, Santa Cruz Metro, and SunLine. The ARCHES H2 Hub project aims to reduce costs for fuel cell electric vehicles, hydrogen, and supporting infrastructure, bridging the gap needed for hydrogen market expansion. Additionally, CTE will support ARCHES in developing a hydrogen trucking and fueling infrastructure strategy in California.
The transit agencies plan to implement an incremental deployment strategy for FCEBs from 2024 to 2032, with an estimated need for 32,360 metric tons of hydrogen per day by 2032. CTE will work closely with the transit agencies to develop a practical implementation plan, addressing ARCHES funding commitments and any necessary adjustments to the original proposal.
To support this transition to zero-emission technologies, CTE will support workforce training programs to equip staff with the skills required for safe and efficient operations. CTE will also regularly monitor and report on pre-deployment activities to promote transparency and continuous improvement.
In the post-deployment phase, CTE will assess the hydrogen fueling infrastructure for FCEBs using key performance indicators that focus on reliability, efficiency, and user satisfaction. CTE will run a comprehensive cost analysis comparing capital and operational expenses between FCEBs, traditional diesel buses, and battery electric buses. Additionally, CTE will run an environmental impact analysis to quantify emission reductions and their effects on air quality and public health. Feedback from transit agencies and passengers will be collected through surveys and other mechanisms to facilitate ongoing operational improvements.
