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BAE to produce electric-drive systems for transit buses

BAE Systems, which has operations in Endicott in Broome County, will provide electric-drive technology for ENC’s new battery-electric and hydrogen-fuel-cell transit buses, like the ones seen in this BAE-provided image. ENC, short for El Dorado National (California), is a subsidiary of Brookfield, Wisconsin–based REV Group (NYSE: REVG). (IMAGE CREDIT: BAE SYSTEMS)

ENDICOTT, N.Y. — El Dorado National (California)(ENC) plans to use the Gen3 product line from BAE Systems for its next-generation, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell transit. ENC is a subsidiary of Brookfield, Wisconsin–based REV Group (NYSE: REVG). BAE Systems manufactures heavy-duty electric propulsion systems. “BAE Systems and ENC have worked together for years to help […]

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ENDICOTT, N.Y. — El Dorado National (California)(ENC) plans to use the Gen3 product line from BAE Systems for its next-generation, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell transit.

ENC is a subsidiary of Brookfield, Wisconsin–based REV Group (NYSE: REVG). BAE Systems manufactures heavy-duty electric propulsion systems.

“BAE Systems and ENC have worked together for years to help cities improve air quality with electric bus solutions,” Steve Trichka, VP and general manager of power & propulsion solutions at BAE Systems, said in a release. “Our expanded collaboration now includes multiple zero-emission options, delivering efficient, proven, and clean transportation solutions for transit fleets.”

ENC’s Axess battery electric bus (EVO-BE) and Axess hydrogen-fuel cell electric bus (EVO-FC) will integrate BAE Systems’ Gen3 power inverters and electric motors for a common structural powertrain across both platforms.

Using a modular design, BAE Systems’ modular-power control system (MPCS) and modular-accessory power system (MAPS) offer ENC the flexibility to have one common electric-drive propulsion and accessory power-management product across both of its new zero emission, transit-bus offerings.

Along with BAE Systems’ Gen3 hardware, ENC’s EVO-FC will feature a 125kW hydrogen-fuel cell from Plug Power, which is headquartered in Latham, near Albany. The ProGen 125-kilowatt fuel cell provides power density, fuel-based operational flexibility and range flexibility for hydrogen fuel cell buses. Over 55,000 Plug fuel cells are in daily service across North America, serving fleets — both small and large.

BAE Systems’ Gen3 Series-EV battery electric and Series-H hydrogen fuel-cell products power buses around the globe, the company said. BAE has more than 15,000 propulsion systems in service on transit buses worldwide.

Its electric-propulsion technology is developed and serviced at its facilities in Endicott and in the United Kingdom.

About BAE Systems

Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of UK–based BAE Systems plc, a global defense, security, and aerospace company. Its website says the firm employs nearly 90,000 globally. That figure includes more than 1,300 employees in Endicott, per a company spokesman.

Traci DeLore