Iconic Replicas
Iconic Replicas 1:87 Van Hool TX45 Coach: Venture Tours
INTERNAL RELEASE - LIMITED QUANTITY AVAILABLE Pad-Printed Graphics All diecast metal - with accurate interior and rubber tires Limited edition of 504
The mirrors for this model are in the box
The Van Hool A330FC (Europe) is a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid transit bus built for the European market. The prototype bus was unveiled in May 2007 and began trials with De Lijn, the operator in the Flemish Region of Belgium. They took delivery of a further five buses in 2013. The first right-hand drive versions of the A330FC were built for the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. The ten buses are operated by Stagecoach and FirstGroup (five buses each).
UTC Power provided their 120 kW PureMotion particle exchange membrane fuell cell that is used as the bus's primary source of power. The electricity generated powers two 85 kW Siemens electric motors at the rear. This is augmented by electricity stored in nickel metal hydride batteries. Regenerative braking is used to charge the batteries. The bus boasts quiet operation and zero emissions. Unlike the standard A330, the first A330FC buses were just over one metre longer and had three axles. According to Van Hool, this allows for the same capacity and operating characteristics as a diesel bus.
In 2011, Van Hool selected Ballard Power systems to supply their FCvelocity-HD6 fuel cell for their next generation of buses. The first five buses were built for the HyNor Oslo Buss group in Oslo, Norway. These buses also use lithium ion batteries from Enerdel for energy storage.
In 2015, Transport for London placed an order for two right-hand drive A330FC buses. Unlike previous European A330FC buses, they are 12-metres long and have two axles. They use the Ballard Power Systems FCvelocity-HD7 fuel cell module. The buses were delivered by the end of 2017 and entered service at the start of 2018 on route RV1 operated by Tower Transit.
The European A330 shares the same name as the North American A330FC, however they differ in design. The North American bus was only available in a 12-metre, two-axle configuration.