The City of Las Vegas is taking delivery of two hydrogen-powered E-450 shuttle buses from Ford Motor Co. The alternative-fuel vehicles will be part of the municipality’s “City Ride” bus program, operating on express routes to and from premium locations.
The E-450s are powered by 6.8L V-10 engines that have been supercharged and modified to run exclusively on hydrogen fuel.
“These buses represent part of Ford’s strategy to deliver transportation solutions that emit less carbon dioxide and reduce our dependence on oil,” said Sue Cischke, Ford’s senior vp-sustainability, environment and safety engineering.
“We believe hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine technology can serve as a bridge to enabling hydrogen to become a viable alternative fuel,” she added. “Hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines have many advantages, including high efficiency, all-weather capability, and near zero emissions of regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases [carbon dioxide]. They also can be used in hybrids for further gains in fuel efficiency.”
Ford said it plans to deliver 30 more to customers across North America by year’s end.