Safra Hycity fuel cell bus tested in French Alps within HYmpulsion project

The Alpine French towns of Moûtiers, Courchevel and Tignes have decided to test the hydrogen ecosystem in their resorts. 

In collaboration with HYmpulsion, Safra and the GEG Group, a demonstration of the hydrogen distribution solution is being organized in April, including a distribution station in Moûtiers, coupled with the presentation of Safra Hycity bus. 

Safra raised the curtain on the new Hycity hydrogen bus at Busworld. The vehicle replaces its predecessor, the Businova.

Safra Hycity tested in the mountain

Deliveries are expected to begin in March 2023. The 18-meter version, in demo vehicles, is awaited by end 2024. Ten units of the 12-meter are going to be delivered in Dunkirk.

Giving some specs, the range claimed by the manufacturer is 350 km, while it takes just 15 minutes to quickly recharge the batteries, supplied by Microvast. More than 100 passengers, on the other hand, the maximum capacity. High-quality components: the fuel cells are by Symbio, by Thermo King the ventilation and by ZF the axles.

Safra fuel cell bus demonstrated in French Alps

The aim of this demonstration held in the French Alps is to highlight the comparative advantages of hydrogen motorization over other decarbonization solutions, Safra states in a press note. HYmpulsion stations distribute renewable hydrogen, produced by water electrolysis. Fuel cell vehicles like the HYCITY emit only water vapor into the atmosphere. 

The result of a public-private partnership between the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, ENGIE, Michelin, Crédit Agricole and Banque des Territoires, HYmpulsion is focusing on deployment renewable hydrogen mobility to drive connections between territories, through the construction and operation of more than 15 renewable hydrogen stations, powered by a 2-Megawatt electrolyzer.