Ohio State and SARTA unveil fuel cell bus, embracing sustainability, research

Ohio State and the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) unveiled a new hydrogen fuel cell-powered, zero emission bus at the Ohio Statehouse on April 19 at 11:00 a.m.

The new hydrogen fuel cell bus will be used to collect data for use by researchers at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) and will operate on the university’s Columbus campus for one year thanks to a partnership with SARTA. “The Ohio State University is committed to advancing sustainability through teaching, research, outreach and engagement and resource stewardship,” said Giorgio Rizzoni, Center for Automotive Research director. “This program demonstrates our commitment to alternative fuels and moves Ohio State towards becoming a global leader of sustainable practices and research.”

Further supporting the academic mission, CAR will collect and analyze data from the hydrogen fuel cell bus and its hydrogen refueling station. The initiative will provide students additional research opportunities with the evolving fuel cell technology. Ohio State’s Department of Transportation and Traffic Management (TTM) will operate the bus as part of its CABS fleet.

 

The initiative aligns with Ohio State’s recently adopted strategic sustainability goals that support the four overarching core goals of the university:

• Teaching and learning
• Research and innovation
• Outreach and engagement
• Resource stewardship