Xcelsior CHARGE FC™ is New Flyer’s next generation, zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell-electric bus. It delivers longer range, better energy recovery and is smart city capable, making it the most advanced hydrogen fuel cell-electric bus in North America.
With 2 wheelchair locations
On a single refueling with no off-board electric recharging
Narrow A-pillars increase visibility for the driver.
Industry’s first electronic instrument panel with LCD display can be programmed for customer specific messages or graphics.
Recessed overhead control panel provides access to the controls and instrumentation and gives the overall area a clean appearance.
Industry’s first LED headlights have better visibility, and can accommodate many of today’s bike racks with no interference.
SmartRider™ provides unmatched accessibility and kneeling to variable heights with less than 10″ step height when fully kneeled. The SmartRider™ ramp can achieve a 1:6 slope ratio with a self-leveling feature and is rated up to 1000 lbs.
Distance between streetside and curbside wheel wells is 34″, providing a wider and more accessible pathway for people with disabilities.
Narrow window posts (5″) and larger windows with low window line (42.5″ in height) for greater visibility.
Angled rear step designed for natural ingress/egress of passengers.
Fiberglass side panels are continuous, resulting in fewer exterior seams, better aesthetics, improved manufacturability, better protection against water intrusion, and less body movement which minimizes rattles or leaks as the vehicle ages.
Hinged corner pillars for easy access to components and systems for regular maintenance.
Mirrors and camera screens enable the driver to see all the way to the rear of the bus and monitor the rear exit door from inside.
Narrow A-pillars increase visibility for the driver.
Industry’s first electronic instrument panel with LCD display can be programmed for customer specific messages or graphics.
Recessed overhead control panel provides access to the controls and instrumentation and gives the overall area a clean appearance.
Industry’s first LED headlights have better visibility, and can accommodate many of today’s bike racks with no interference.
SmartRider™ provides unmatched accessibility and kneeling to variable heights with less than 10″ step height when fully kneeled. The SmartRider™ ramp can achieve a 1:6 slope ratio with a self-leveling feature and is rated up to 1000 lbs.
Distance between streetside and curbside wheel wells is 34″, providing a wider and more accessible pathway for people with disabilities.
Narrow window posts (5″) and larger windows with low window line (42.5″ in height) for greater visibility.
Angled rear step designed for natural ingress/egress of passengers.
Fiberglass side panels are continuous, resulting in fewer exterior seams, better aesthetics, improved manufacturability, better protection against water intrusion, and less body movement which minimizes rattles or leaks as the vehicle ages.
Hinged corner pillars for easy access to components and systems for regular maintenance.
Mirrors and camera screens enable the driver to see all the way to the rear of the bus and monitor the rear exit door from inside.
Built on the proven Xcelsior® platform with over 16,000 buses delivered to date, New Flyer’s battery-electric and fuel cell-electric models have surpassed over 15 million electric vehicle service miles.
Drawing upon more than 20 years of experience producing fuel cell-electric buses for North American operators, New Flyer has applied the best of zero-emission design and innovative fuel cell technologies to develop its most advanced hydrogen fuel cell-electric bus yet.
Travel 370+ miles on a single refueling with no off-board electric recharging.
Fast fill time ranging from 6-20 minutes (depending on bus model and operating conditions)
Avoid 85-175 tons of greenhouse gas per year from tailpipe emissions compared to a diesel bus
Xcelsior CHARGE FC™ incorporates four distinct and new high-performing technologies:
A fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy into electric energy. A series of chemical reactions splits hydrogen into protons and a current of electrons and then combines them with oxygen, which produces water and heat. The flow of electrons is the electric current. The electric current is used to power the batteries and ultimately power the bus.
Fuel cells produce electricity without combustion, which means that, unlike internal combustion engines, they generate little (if any) noise, vibration, air pollution, or greenhouse gasses and operate at high efficiency over a wide range of loads.
Hydrogen is clean, abundant, and can be reformed into hydrogen from natural gas (methane) or created from renewable sources such as wind or solar energy through electrolysis.
The Xcelsior CHARGE FC™ will avoid 85-175 tons of greenhouse gases per year from tailpipe emissions compared to a traditional diesel bus.
With the absence of a traditional internal combustion engine and its related mechanical and exhaust noises, passengers will love the significantly quieter ride provided by the nearly silent electric traction motor:
Both the 40-foot and 60-foot models meet the Federal Transit Administration Model Bus Testing Program at Altoona, Pennsylvania. New Flyer remains the only North American manufacturer to offer both 40-foot and 60-foot fuel cell-electric models that qualify for federal funding.