METTEM and Loop Energy cooperate on hydrogen bus powertrains. GAZ H2 bus unveiled in Moscow

Loop Energy partners with Russian METTEM to provide hydrogen electric powertrain solutions to commercial vehicle OEMs across Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and Europe.

The companies’ first joint project — a fuel cell bus for GAZ Group, a leading global commercial vehicle OEM provider — is presently on display at the International Commercial Vehicle Show 2021 (COMTRANS) in Moscow, Russia. The vehicle is using GAZ Group’s existing battery electric passenger bus platform, Loop Energy’s fuel cell modules, and METTEM’s hydrogen electric fuel cell system. The 12-meter passenger bus vehicle is expected to enter regular city transport service in Moscow, in early 2022, after completing customary road testing and vehicle level certification requirements.

At the same exhibition, also Kamaz has been unveiling its hydrogen fuel cell bus 6290.

METTEM – Loop Energy: powertrains for fuel cell buses

Fuel cell modules supplier Loop Energy received in March 2020 a second cash investment from Cummins. Also in 2020 the company signed an agreement with an unspecified Chinese bus manufacturer with the goal of supporting the Nanjing municipal government’s objective of replacing its existing 7000-unit battery-electric bus fleet with an improved battery-hydrogen hybrid alternative

Under this agreement, METTEM will use Loop’s eFlow powered fuel cell modules to develop and supply hydrogen electric subsystems, powertrains, and complete vehicle solutions for a variety of applications including transit buses, logistics vehicles, and rail transport.

The hydrogen electric transit bus, currently showcased by its OEM at COMTRANS 2021, marks the first commercial achievement between Loop Energy and METTEM. The vehicle’s hydrogen electric control system was developed by METTEM under the contract with GAZ Group, the company says. The solution is using GAZ Group’s existing battery electric passenger bus platform, Loop Energy’s fuel cell modules, and METTEM’s fully integrated hydrogen electric fuel cell system.

METTEM and Loop Energy cooperate on hydrogen buses

“Partnering with Loop was a natural next step for METTEM as we look to supply our OEM customers with mobility solutions that meet the growing demand in Russia and beyond for electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles over the next decade,” said Jan Drewitz, CEO of METTEM. “With Loop’s innovative fuel cell modules and our extensive powertrain and vehicle integration expertise, we foresee hydrogen electric solutions, and the benefits of extended range, peak power performance, and fuel efficiency, becoming the gold standard in the commercial vehicle market.”

“Collaborating with METTEM is a key milestone for both the adoption of hydrogen electric solutions for commercial vehicles, as well as expanding Loop’s footprint in both Russian and greater European markets,” said George Rubin, Chief Commercial Officer of Loop Energy. “METTEM’s market knowledge and technical expertise bring an invaluable contribution to this partnership. We are seeing a steady demand for clean energy alternatives across the globe and are eager to work with a leading player in the commercial vehicle industry to provide sustainable solutions.”