SunLine Unveils New Generation of Zero Emission Bus
The Coachella Valley is home to the latest milestone in clean energy. SunLine Transit Agency unveiled their newest hydrogen-fueled bus at their headquarters in Thousand Palms.
The 7th Generation Hydrogen Fueled Vehicle, “The American Fuel Cell Bus” joined the fleet of SunLine’s busses at the cost of approximately $10 million with funds from the Federal Transit Administration, the California Air Resources Board and South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Once the bus enters commercial production, the goal is for costs to get down to $1.2 million. Supervisor John Benoit said it is a small price to pay to keep the desert beautiful. “It’s because our hospitality industry is the key to our success in this Coachella Valley,” said Benoit. “What is that based on? Our beautiful vistas and mountains, beautiful weather, priceless things that we tried to protect early on. We’ve done a pretty good job of it, there’s still room to improve, but this is a step in the same direction.”
The launch of the bus will help the commercialization of fuel cell technology and the creation of jobs in the industry. The bus is on the forefront of green energy. “With global warming, energy independence, those factors are not going to change going forward, so we’ve now got a prototype that can continue to advance American achievements in these areas,” said Therese McMillan, Deputy Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration. “We’re very excited to see that happen.”
The bus also features 90 percent American-made parts, helping to create jobs in the local economy. “The great thing about this project is it’s American-made fuel cell, American-made bus with the fuel made right here on property,” said Mikel Oglesby, SunLine general manager. “You get away from the need to use foreign oil, and on top of that it promotes jobs in America, we’re doing it all.”
SunLine continues to set the standard in alternative fuel and clean technology. The new bus meets the FTA Buy America Requirements. This marks a significant milestone on hydrogen fuel cell technology development for the transportation industry. “It’s Buy-America compliant, which creates a domestic market for the manufacturer of this bus that is going to, we believe, kick start the economy,” said McMillan.
