Project Overview

At a glance...

• GNHTD's five-year government funded project
• All GREEN energy – Implementation of hydrogen fuel cell technology
• A Connecticut-First approach and recognition to green energy
• Environmentally friendly zero emission hydrogen-fueled vehicles
• Operation of available hydrogen fueling station
• Innovative , self-contained propulsion
• Enhanced ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) accessibility
• Development of education and training curriculum with local colleges
• Futuristic bus styling

The Greater New Haven Transit District (GNHTD) became an “early adopter” of alternative fueled transit vehicles in 2001 when it procured 4 battery electric trolley replica vehicles for use on a circulator route in downtown New Haven, CT. The operation of these vehicles gave GNHTD significant experience in the maintenance and operation of battery powered vehicles.

In 2005 GNHTD initiated a project aimed at developing a 40' battery dominant fuel cell transit vehicle. The project envisioned the installation of a hydrogen fueling station powered, at least in part, by solar panels thus creating a greener energy cycle. Since that time the project goals have been restructured and refined.

This restructuring was driven in large part by lessons learned in operation of the battery powered vehicles. The cost for battery replacement made it clear that the original concept of utilizing a battery dominant vehicle was not yet feasible for a transit agency the size of GNHTD. Also, the scope of the original project would require funding well beyond that originally granted. The original vehicle size envisioned (30'-40') was not the type of vehicle used for the core service provided by GNHTD. With the exception of the battery operated "trolley" vehicles, the rest of the GNHTD fleet consisted of smaller “cutaway” or “body-on-chassis” type vehicles.

The HyRide Project Plan as now envisioned provides the state of Connecticut with a strategy which, if adequately funded and properly administered, will set the course for the state to be the first to move all public transit over to hydrogen power within 20 years.

The HyRide Project

HyRide is a program focused upon hydrogen infrastructure installation and deployment of small transit vehicles in the greater New Haven (CT) area. Project goals include; reducing dependence on fossil fuels, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, support of economic growth areas for the State of Connecticut , and the generation of hydrogen sources maximizing the use of ‘Green' energy inclusive of the latest in photovoltaic technologies.

Project Fundamentals

The HyRide Project recognizes that only with adequate hydrogen fueling infrastructure will Connecticut be able to deploy a significant number of transit vehicles. Large 40' fuel cell transit buses currently cost approximately $2.5 million. With a federal grant of $3 million GNHTD has been able to procure a smaller hybrid fuel cell vehicle as well as fund the development and installation of a hydrogen fueling station. Every fixed route transit operator is required to provide "paratransit" services for those individuals who are unable to utilize the fixed route buses. Most of these services are provided with smaller, less expensive vehicles. By focusing on replacing these smaller gasoline powered vehicles with hydrogen powered vehicles Connecticut would be able to direct more funding toward installation of hydrogen fueling stations setting the stage for continued vehicle deployment while supporting a burgeoning hydrogen industry in the state.

Basic program elements include:

• Overall program planning and administration (system routing, location and logistics associated with fueling and maintenance facility, other);
• Program design and development of basic performance specification for bus vehicle rolling chassis and propulsion subsystems;
• Installation of hydrogen fueling stations associated with public transit agencies and strategically located to enable possible usage by municipal and/ or private vehicles.

Program Participants

Identified program participants currently are (including their respective roles):

•  GNHTD – Program host agency and funding gatekeeper, program administration and management.

•  Avalence – Hydrogen fueling station innovation and installation.

•  JAI – Engineering consultant, system integration, testing and commissioning, vehicle inspection, procurement, other;

•  EBus – Vehicle manufacturer

Timeframe

Several elements constitute this entire Program. The actual design, development, and implementation timeline is approximately 24 to 27 months. Commissioning and comparative testing and evaluation will consist of another 6 to 12 months commencing at the conclusion of the implementation period. The vehicle operational testing will take place over a 12 month period.

Program Costs and Funding

The program will consist of a number of phases. The results of Phase 1 will provide data which will be used to develop refined costing figures for subsequent phases.  

Phase 1

Estimated program cost $2.5 million broken down as follows:

• One, hybrid fuel cell vehicle; $700,000
• Program management and administration, - $200,000
• Engineering/consulting support - $400,000
• Maintenance facility upgrades - $200,000;
• Fueling station - $1,000,000.
• Fueling Station Site Construction - $85,000
• Vehicle Operation subsidy - $150,000
• Contingency - $15,000

Total Cost Phase 1 - $2,750,000

Funding for Phase 1 is being provided by a Federal Research and Development grant in the amount of $2,500,000 and a grant from the State of Connecticut in the amount of $250,000.