BAE Systems Inc. is collaborating with Plug Power, a supplier of hydrogen engines and fueling systems, to offer hydrogen-based electric propulsion systems for transit bus fleets.

The companies will work together to offer transit operators in North America an all-inclusive, scalable system to reach zero emissions, providing required site, vehicle, and service solutions. As part of the collaboration, BAE Systems will integrate Plug Power’s fuel-cell engines into its electric drive systems to power the bus, which will increase efficient, reliable, and emission-free options in transit.

The strategic partnership leverages both companies’ knowledge and experience in electrification. BAE Systems has more than two decades of expertise developing and integrating electric propulsion systems, including fuel-cell technology.

BAE Systems has been at the forefront of commercializing hydrogen fuel-cell technology since first integrating fuel-cell powered buses in 1998. The Series-H hydrogen fuel cell electric system builds on 25 years of innovation and proven technology that powers buses around the world. The company has all-electric systems on buses in service throughout North America and Europe, and more than 13,000 propulsion systems in service on transit buses worldwide.

Plug Power, the largest user of liquid hydrogen globally, provides modular ProGen fuel cell engines, ranging from 30kW to 125kW. The company is building the hydrogen economy as the leading provider of comprehensive hydrogen fuel cell turnkey solutions. The company’s innovative technology powers electric motors with hydrogen fuel cells amid an ongoing paradigm shift in the power, energy, and transportation industries.