BAE to develop fuel-cell technology for FTA program

BAE Systems was chosen to develop advanced hydrogen fuel-cell technology for hybrid electric transit buses as part of an FTA program. The $5.35 million award is part of the agency's National Fuel Cell Bus Technology Development Program. The award will be distributed over four years by non-profit organization WestStart CALSTART. BAE Systems will lead the integration of a fuel-cell auxiliary power unit on a next-generation Orion VII hybrid transit bus from DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses N.A. The diesel-electric propulsion system on the bus will be functionally similar to those the company currently produces, with the addition of a fuel cell to power several accessory systems on the bus.