Human beings have proven themselves to be good at many different things, and yet there is still very little we do better than pursuing growth at a continuous clip. This tendency to improve, no matter the situation, has enabled the world to hit upon some huge milestones, with technology emerging as quite a major member of the stated group. The reason why we hold technology in such a high regard, is by and large, focused on its skill-set, which realized all the possibilities for us that we couldn’t have imagined otherwise. Nevertheless, if we look beyond the surface, it will quickly become clear how the whole runner was also very much inspired from the way we applied those skills across a real world environment. The latter component, in fact, did a lot to give the creation a spectrum-wide presence and start what was a full-blown tech revolution. Of course, this revolution then went on to scale up the human experience through some outright unique avenues, but even after achieving a feat so notable, technology will somehow continue delivering the right goods. The same has turned more and more evident over the recent past, and assuming BAE Systems’ latest move pans out just like we envision, it will only propel that trend towards greater heights moving forward.

BAE Systems, a leader in heavy-duty electric propulsion, has officially confirmed that it will supply its next-generation electric power and propulsion systems for three hydrogen fuel cell buses in Rochester, New York, to help them in operating without generating any emissions. Funded by Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Grant Program, the initiative will see BAE Systems provide what is a proprietary Gen3 electric drive system to ElDorado National (California)’s Axess^® EVO-FC^™ hydrogen fuel cell bus. In case you aren’t aware of this technology, the Gen3 Series-H System is basically made up from an electric motor, energy storage system, and modular power electronics to create a clean mode of transportation for the buses. Another detail worth a mention here is how the setup makes a point of using advanced materials with lightweight, compact components to increase electrical efficiency over an extended drive range. Moving on, the system’s notably flexible design adds extra utility by cultivating a simplified approach to system integration for best-in-class vehicle power and performance.

“We are proud to accelerate Rochester’s clean energy goals with turnkey hydrogen solutions using technology made right here in New York,” said Steve Trichka, vice president and general manager of Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our Gen3 system will deliver highly efficient and sustainable transportation operations through advanced clean hydrogen innovation.”

Among other details that make BAE Systems an ideal proponent to lead the stated charge, what we must acknowledge is the collaboration between the company’s electric propulsion system and 125kW Progen hydrogen fuel cell engine from Plug Power. This particular integration can play a huge role when it comes down to conceiving for the end user a comprehensive, efficient, and reliable emission-free solution. Hold on, there is more. Plug Power, in regards to BAE System’s latest initiative, will also be responsible for delivering the entire fuelling infrastructure.

Founded almost 25 years ago, BAE System has risen up the ranks on the back of its groundbreaking efforts to commercialize hydrogen fuel cell technology. To give you a hint of the company’s stature, it has well over 15,000 propulsion systems in service on transit buses across the globe. A similar example can even be inferred from BAE System’s manufacturing facilities in Endicott, New York, which support more than 1,300 high-tech jobs and will now also be used to produce Gen3 systems integral to this latest environment-centric effort.