Environmental Benefits

Zero Emissions

Fuel cells do not burn the fuel they use. Instead, they combine hydrogen with oxygen from the air to produce water and electricity. The only tailpipe emission is water vapor. Using hydrogen instead of fossil fuels could make our air cleaner, decrease our dependence on foreign oil, and reduce global warming.

Energy Efficiency

AC Transit’s fuel cell buses have consistently achieved 60% greater fuel efficiency than comparable diesel buses. On higher speed, commuter routes, the efficiency has been as much as twice that of the diesel fleet.

These gains in fuel economy have been accompanied by complete elimination of particulate matter and smog-forming NOx emissions from the vehicles.

Environmental Benefits for Today

Every zero-emission bus we put on the street results in immediate benefits to our community. Every zero-emission bus means less smog in our air, less soot in our neighborhoods, and less asthma in our children. Plus, our fuel cell buses are quiet. Breathe easier; rest easier.

Environmental Benefits for Tomorrow

Imagine this: No pollution from cars, trucks, or buses anywhere. Imagine a world where we use clean, renewable, solar and wind power to generate electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Then we recombine the oxygen and hydrogen in fuel cells, producing water and providing electric power to our vehicles. It’s a complete, sustainable system. The energy input comes from the sun and wind. Zero emissions. Clean. Efficient. Pie-in-the-sky? We don’t think so. We believe that by demonstrating the viability of fuel cell vehicles, we are helping to create the market for a completely green energy and transportation system.