Livermore, CA; April 24, 2024 – GILLIG, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States, announced today the expansion of its zero-emission product lineup. The company will be expanding its diverse transit bus portfolio with a hydrogen fuel cell powered bus, to be developed in collaboration with BAE Systems and Ballard Power Systems. This innovative venture underlines GILLIG's ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering adaptable, high-quality transit solutions tailored to the diverse needs of fleets nationwide.
"Understanding the unique operational challenges faced by each transit agency – from varying duty cycles and geographic terrains to diverse climates and depot locations – is fundamental to our vision of improving quality of life through transformative mass transit solutions," stated Benjamin Grunat, GILLIG’s Vice President of Product Planning and Strategy. "Introducing the hydrogen fuel cell bus into our product lineup signifies GILLIG's commitment to advancing sustainable public transportation technologies. It's about offering a solution that's not only flexible enough to fit every fleet but also matured through our thoughtful approach to product development, ensuring reliability and readiness for the demands of today's transit environment.”
The GILLIG hydrogen fuel cell bus, which is currently in development, will provide transit agencies with exceptional, zero-emission operational range, rapid refueling capabilities, and reliable performance in diverse climates and terrains. As agencies evaluate their options for the future, this new offering broadens the horizon for those considering hydrogen as a zero-emission solution.
"Our collaboration with Ballard Power Systems and BAE Systems embodies our commitment to leading the industry through thoughtful innovation and intentional partnerships," said Grunat. "By integrating Ballard’s state-of-the-art fuel cell technology and BAE Systems' versatile electric powertrain with GILLIG's trusted Low Floor Platform, we are creating a long-range, zero-emission solution that does not compromise on safety, efficiency, or quality that transit agencies have come to expect from GILLIG.”
David Mucciacciaro, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Ballard Power Systems, shared his perspective on the new initiative: "With decades of proven performance, Ballard Power Systems' fuel cells are powering vehicles in some of the most demanding environments around the world. Our collaboration with GILLIG and BAE Systems for this hydrogen fuel cell bus combines GILLIG's deep understanding of the unique requirements of American transit operators with our globally tested and trusted technology. We are thrilled to contribute to a project that stands at the intersection of innovation and reliability, propelling the vision of a clean transit future into reality.”
With the technical expertise of BAE Systems and Ballard Power Systems complementing GILLIG's zero-emissions leadership, GILLIG's new hydrogen fuel cell bus will be a significant step forward for sustainability in the American transit industry. This dynamic partnership aims to provide a market-leading, zero-emissions transit solution for fleets looking to leverage hydrogen fueling while maintaining operational efficiency and service quality, all with a bus manufacturer they know and trust.
Rob Dykema, director of North American Transit Accounts for Power & Propulsion Solutions at BAE Systems, emphasized the depth of the collaboration between BAE Systems and GILLIG, "Reflecting on our decade of work with GILLIG, integrating our advanced powertrain systems has set a precedent for excellence and reliability in public transit," said Dykema. "This new opportunity to deliver our technology for use on GILLIG’s hydrogen fuel cell bus is a thrilling next step that leverages our collective expertise for sustainable innovation. We're proud to continue this journey, enhancing the environmental footprint of public transportation together."
GILLIG's comprehensive approach to product development, which respects the distinct needs of each transit agency and their need for reliable, mature, and efficient technology, highlights the importance of offering a complete suite of propulsion options. From their conventional propulsion buses powered by Clean Diesel, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and Hybrid-Electric technologies, to their zero-emission solutions of Battery Electric buses and now, hydrogen fuel cell, GILLIG's product portfolio ensures that every fleet can find a solution that fits their current and future transit goals. Scheduled to begin production in 2026, the GILLIG hydrogen fuel cell bus underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to designing, building, and supporting the nation’s safest and most reliable transit buses. These buses play a crucial role in reducing congestion and fostering cleaner air, ultimately advancing the promise of mobility for all.
About GILLIG
GILLIG is a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty transit buses in the United States and has been family-owned since 1890. In steadfast commitment to their mission of building buses that connect communities, eliminate congestion, and contribute to a greener environment, GILLIG offers a diverse range of clean energy transit solutions, including zero-emission Battery Electric, and low-emissions Hybrid and CNG, as well as clean Diesel solutions. Known for safety, reliability, and unparalleled customer service, GILLIG is committed to providing high-quality transit solutions that meet the unique needs of communities nationwide.
For more information about GILLIG and its commitment to sustainable transit solutions and American-built excellence, please visit www.GILLIG.com