The Welsh Fuel Cell Bus Project

The Welsh Fuel Cell Bus Project is a collaborative project covering the research and development of complex, hybrid electric drive-train vehicles. The project is funded by the Energy Saving Trust and supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The project has meant that experts at the University of Glamorgan have developed a unique fuel cell vehicle – the only development project of its type currently funded in the UK

The vehicle – a 16 seater mini bus - is powered by a fuel cell using hydrogen as its fuel, eliminating the need for non-environmentally friendly fuel sources.

The project highlights the progress being made in the fuel cell industry in the UK and the many applications for the technology.

This technology means that in the future vehicles could be refuelled at hydrogen ‘filling stations’ rather than at the conventional pump.

Research into sustainable transportation solutions is at the heart of the University of Glamorgan’s research.

The Fuel Cell Bus project plays a key role in the automotive sector proposition for Wales and the ground-breaking technology being developed.

Researcher and Project Manager, Jonathan Williams said, “This project will really put Wales on the map as a leader in the field of development of non-CO2 technologies. We have ambitious plans for this technology and hope that the work done at Glamorgan will pave the way for further work in the development of hydrogen powered fuel cell technology.”

The mini bus will be used at the University of Glamorgan for a trial period, taking students between the University’s campuses.

The Welsh Fuel Cell Bus
Technical information about the vehicle
• Fully European type approved road legal vehicle
• Electric drive-train – zero or very low emissions
• 150 + mile (220km) range by means of onboard APU (hydrogen fuel cell or similar)
• 60 mph (80km) speed capability
• Uses commercial technologies to minimise vehicle cost and allow easy replication

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