Archive, Product News

Foton Mobility continues hydrogen education at Expo

After bringing a wide range of new energy vehicles to the Expo, Foton Mobility is focusing on educating the industry about hydrogen bus safety.

Foton Mobility had to be organised to ensure its low floor hydrogen vehicles arrived in Sydney in time for the Bus & Coach Expo. Working with Australian transport provider Transit Systems, Foton Mobility national sales manager Greg Abel says it was worthwhile to show the local industry the latest in zero-emissions vehicles in the nation.

“It’s been quite an adventure bringing our vehicles out here,” Abel told ABC. “We had to go through quite a few processes when they arrived in Australia before transporting them to Sydney.

“These vehicles have been operating successfully in China for quite a few years, so we decided to introduce them to the Australian market.”

Foton Mobility’s Expo displays included two hydrogen fuel cell buses, which sat alongside a battery electric truck and Foton’s charging product. The global company is a leader in commercial vehicle production including new energy vehicles, giving Foton Mobility a wealth of knowledge on hydrogen and battery electric vehicles.

“The amount of interest shown has been quite good Expo-wide and for us,” Abel says. “We’ve had interest from operators, hydrogen producers and even suppliers.

“It’s been great to see representatives from governments, including Transport NSW, at the Expo, as it provides encouragement for suppliers and operators moving forward.”

Foton Mobility also displayed its battery electric truck to prove the diversity of its vehicles in the new energy industry. Abel says the truck can be used as a service and support vehicle for the bus industry.  If operators are wanting to run zero-emissions buses, Abel says it makes sense to also use new energy service vehicles. This idea meant the battery electric truck was presented alongside Foton Mobility’s hydrogen fuel cell bus, which was covered in a green Transit Systems hydrogen-focused livery.


RELATED ARTICLE: Foton Mobility Expo preview


“What I’m trying to do here is introduce the hydrogen vehicle to the Australian market, including operators,” Abel says. “It’s a good opportunity at this event to show the processes, details and systems of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.”

In a show of Foton Mobility’s range, the brand also brought across a 240-kilowatt charger to impress the industry. The large charger is air cooled and is Foton’s biggest in its current range.

Foton Mobility’s growing vehicle and charging capability is supported by the brand’s warranty offers. Abel says Foton’s current five-year warranty for customers is vital when it comes to hydrogen fuel cell buses in Australia.

“With the introduction of hydrogen vehicles, the warranty is vital to dispel any apprehension that operators may have about these buses,” Abel says. “We have engineers from our factory available, as well as service and aftersales staff ready to provide support.”

It’s this focus on education and support that forms the basis of Foton Mobility’s value offering. Abel says experts from the company will continue to be available to customers after the Expo to show the industry that hydrogen is a safe fuel source for buses.

From government officials to operators wanting to buy hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Abel says Foton Mobility is intent on using training and knowledge to alleviate any concerns around hydrogen bus technology.

“Hydrogen education regarding safety is an area we’re concentrating extremely hard on,” Abel says. “Once everyone understands this and the safety systems involved, we believe it’ll remove any fears or concerns about hydrogen fuel cell buses.”

  1. Australian Truck Radio Listen Live
Send this to a friend