Named, HYDRON, the eight-metre bus uses Rampini’s battery-electric bus model with modifications to incorporate 10.8kg of hydrogen fuel storage and a Loop S300 30kW fuel cell engine, offering a range of 450km.

Having stepped away from producing diesel buses in 2018, Rampini’s hydrogen-powered offering hopes to provide its customers with a zero-emission alternative with a significantly extended range, by comparison to battery-electric variants.

The Rampini bus deepens expands Loop Energy’s reach in the hydrogen-electric bus sector, following on from the launch of Mobility & Innovation’s platform in March (2022), and a collaboration with the Australian-based Aluminium Revolutionary Chassis Company (ARCC), in June (2022).

Read more: Hydrogen-fuelled bus using Loop Energy technology in Slovakia

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Ben Nyland, President and CEO of Loop Energy, commented, “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.

“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.”

Fabio Magnoni, General Manager of Rampini, added, “We are very grateful for Loop Energy’s support at the Next Mobility Exhibition and contribution to the launch of our HYDRON 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. To offer a hydrogen-electric bus means we can deliver fleet operators a reliable and economical zero-emissions solution.”