Loop Energy powers Rampini hydrogen bus

The 8 meter long, 48-passenger Hydron hydrogen-electric bus is fitted with a 10.8-kg hydrogen tank that enables an extended range of 450 km. (Photo: Loop Energy)

Loop Energy, a designer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cells for commercial mobility, is supplying Rampini Carlo SpA, an Italian bus manufacturer, with fuel cells to power the Hydron hydrogen-electric bus, unveiled at the Next Mobility Exhibition in Milan, Italy, earlier this month.

Rampini, a more than 70-year-old company headquartered in Passignano sul Trasimeno, announced the decision in 2018 to cease production of diesel-powered buses to focus on electric platforms. The company has subsequently introduced a battery-electric bus, waste collection truck and power equipment product offerings. The Hydron represents Rampini’s first commercially available hydrogen-electric bus.

“A few years ago, we decided to focus on electric buses instead of diesel and the interest from customers around Europe has been exceptional,” said Fabio Magnoni, general manager, Rampini. “To offer a hydrogen-electric bus means we can deliver fleet operators a reliable and economical zero-emissions solution.”

The Hydron incorporates the 30-kW Loop Energy S300 fuel cell engine. (Photo: Loop Energy)

The Hydron is based on the battery-electric bus model, with modifications made to incorporate fuel storage and the 30-kW Loop Energy S300 fuel cell engine. The 8 meter long (26 ft.), 48-passenger bus is fitted with a 10.8-kg hydrogen tank that enables an extended range of 450 km (~280 miles), Loop Energy noted.

Rampini joins fellow Loop Energy customers Aluminum Revolutionary Chassis Company (Australia), NGVI (South Korea) and Mobility & Innovation (Slovakia) in unveiling a hydrogen-electric bus platform in 2022. All the buses will undergo trials with fleet operators in their respective markets.

“Rampini is leading the way with their commitment to transition away from diesel and deliver an electric vehicle product line. The launch of yet another hydrogen-electric bus by experienced manufacturers is a strong indicator of the growing demand worldwide,” said Ben Nyland, Loop Energy president and CEO. “I was fortunate to tour Rampini’s production centre in Umbria, Italy, and I am extremely impressed by their commitment and capacity to manufacture high-performing electric buses to meet the rapidly growing needs of Italian fleet operators.”