Project Overview
CUTRIC’s Pan-Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus Demonstration and Integration Trial represents a groundbreaking initiative to decarbonize public transit in Canada.
Taking place in Mississauga, Ontario, the project involves the deployment of ten hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) in collaboration with leading partners including MiWay, New Flyer, Ballard, and Enbridge. Learn more about this milestone here.
Timeline
| 2017-2018 | Initial consultations and technical planning with hydrogen industry partners, including public transit agencies across Canada |
| 2019-2023 | Preliminary feasibility studies, Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) development execution and continuous advocacy for full-fleet feasibility and capital funding |
| 2024 to 2030 | Extended Zero Emissions Transit Fund (ZETF) Feasibility & Implementation Study, full capital funding confirmation at federal and municipal levels, Project Steering Committee ongoing technical planning, establishment of Project Public Relations Protocol, establishing a pathway to full-scale implementation by 2026 |
Objectives and Benefits
This project is designed to deliver transformational benefits to public transit and the environment through a series of key objectives:
- Accelerating zero emission transit: Demonstrate the feasibility, environmental benefits and performance outcomes associated with hydrogen-powered transit systems reinforcing their role in Canada’s sustainable transportation future.
- Developing operational guidelines: Create best practices for the deployment of FCEBs in Canada and provide valuable insights and operational knowledge to transit agencies across Canada seeking to use FCEBs in the future to ensure successful and sustainable adoption of this technology nationwide.
- Creating local jobs: Stimulate local hydrogen supply industry and foster new transit opportunities to contribute to economic growth and job creation in Ontario and beyond.
- Driving broader deployment: Serve as a model for the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered buses as part of the national decarbonization initiative to achieve Canada’s Paris Climate Commitments, starting in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas (GTHAs) and encourage similar projects across Canada.
Supporting Mississauga’s Climate Goals
The Pan-Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus Demonstration and Integration Trial directly supports Mississauga’s climate goals by advancing its commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
As part of the city’s broader environmental strategy, this project aligns with Mississauga’s goal to achieve an 80% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050.
Impact on the Hydrogen Ecosystem
The trial will serve as a catalyst for growth within Canada’s hydrogen sector by:
- Advancing Ontario-developed technologies to position the province as a leader in hydrogen innovation.
- Expanding market opportunities for local hydrogen producers.
- Building critical operational knowledge for transit agencies nationwide, facilitating smoother adoption of hydrogen solutions in public transit.
Scalability and National Impact
The success of this project in Mississauga is expected to:
- Offer insights and inspiration for other cities like Edmonton and Winnipeg interested in adopting Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses.
- Deliver environmental benefits including reduced emissions and improved air quality on a national scale.
- Contribute to Canada’s green economic goals by promoting scalable and sustainable transit innovations.
Conclusion
The Pan-Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus Demonstration and Integration Trial is a pivotal step in transforming public transit in Ontario.
With significant benefits for the environment, economy, and public health, this project positions Ontario as a trailblazer in hydrogen-powered transportation.
Project Manager
Download the brochure from 2021
Video Demonstration
Learn more about hydrogen fuel cell electric buses through this walkthrough of New Flyer’s innovative CHARGE FC™ (integrated with Ballard’s powerful FCmove®-HD+ fuel cell engine):
