Milestones

Alternative Fuels

Vision: Alternative Fuels as Bridge to Hydrogen Zero Emission & Battery Electric Buses

2017

2016

• Placed into service Battery Electric Bus (E1) in January • Powered by BYD - Build Your Dreams

2015

2014

• Unveiled the 8th Generation American Made Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus (FC4)

2013

2012

2011

• Unveiled the 7th generation American made fuel cell bus
• H2 dispenser tested and issued temporary approval for sales by Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards. Completion of type approval by end of 2011
• Completed Indio replacement (1) CNG compressor and upgraded existing compressor controls with integrated internet monitoring
• Cumulative H2 production @ 44,376 kgs in Thousand Palms

2010

• Unveiled the 6th generation fuel cell bus
• Begin new replacement CNG compressor and control upgrade for Indio station

2009

• New fast-fill CNG dispensers installed in both Thousand Palms and Indio public fueling stations
• Installed three additional H2 high pressure storage vessels
• Hydrogen Dispenser “Type Approval”
• Began working with California Dept. Weights & Measures Needed for Hydrogen fuel sales

2008  

• 56 CNG Buses (BAT engine technology, meets 2010 EPA)
• Upgrade CNG Fueling to 3,600 psig

2007  

Infrastructure Development

• 5000 psi dispenser upgrade to include (2) hose; one for autos and one for heavy duty buses 
• Upgrade H2 compressor to a duplex unit (faster storage recovery time)
• Installed card lock system (24/7 access)
• Designated as a California Hydrogen Highway Network (CaH2Net) fueling station member

2006  

• Installed commercial ATR natural gas reformer 228 Kg/day

2005

Van Hool Fuel Cell Bus

• Accumulated > 70,000 miles on vehicle to date
• UTC fuel cell – 120 kW PureMotion™
• Hybrid-drive – ISE System
• H2 storage – 5,000 psig, 50 kg 
• Battery pack – ZEBRA® 53 kWh, regenerative braking
• Fuel economy – 7.33 miles/kg average at SunLine
• Range – 300 to 350 miles 

2004

First HICE Hybrid Bus (Experimental)

• Accumulated in-service miles - 85,000 miles to date
• Ford 6.8 L V10 ICE, 190 hp - ISE/Siemens Hybrid-Drive
• H2 Storage – 5,000 psig, 58 kg 
• Energy storage – Maxwell ultra-capacitors, two packs, total energy stored is 0.6 kWh max 
• Fuel Economy – 4.29 miles/kg average
• Canadian winter test, emissions testing 
• Range – 220-250 miles

ATR natural gas reformer demonstration prototype 216 Kg/day

• Upgraded to add 5000 psi dispensing

Advanced Technology Cummins-Westport Innovations 5.9L SI lean-burn B Gas Plus Engine – 2 HCNG fueled buses in revenue service

• Modified for HCNG fuel
• Fuel blend 20% H2/ 80% CNG
• Match NG ICE performance

2002 to 2003

Thor/ISE 30’ H2 Fuel Cell Hybrid

• First fuel cell hybrid bus
• Accumulated 8,800 miles 
• Total fuel cell run time 640 hrs
• UTC fuel cell – 60 kW, ISE hybrid-drive
• H2 storage – 3,600 psig, 25 kg 
• Battery pack – 48 12 VDC PbA, regenerative braking
• Fuel economy – 5.92 miles/kg average
• Range – 175 to 200 miles 

Experimental Technology Cummins L10 Diesel Engine 2 Hythane® fueled buses in revenue service

• Modified for Hydrogen/CNG blended fuel
• Hythane® blend - 20% H2 & 80% NG (by volume)

2000

On-site H2 fueling

• H2 blend (Hythane®)
• Step to future zero emission bus fleet
• Electrolyzer technology demonstration for H2 production 84 Kg/day

EXCELLISiS (Ballard) H2 First Zero Emission ZEbus

• 13 month demo program
• Accumulated 14,900 miles 
• Total fuel cell run time 865 hours
• Fuel cell engine – 205 kW, direct electric drive
• H2 storage – 3,600 psig, 41.3 kg 
• Battery pack – none and no regenerative braking
• Fuel economy – 4.96 miles/kg average
• Range – 225 miles, estimated 

1994

Arrival of 40 CNG Buses (early engine technology)
Transit and public CNG fueling site

1992

SunLine Board seeks to preserve Coachella Valley air quality and votes to transition fleet to alternative fuels