GCK homologates a retrofitted hydrogen bus

This is a world premiere signed by GCK with this on-road homologation that will enable mass production.

Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, was present on February 23 in Clermont-Ferrand. On this occasion, the minister awarded Philippe Jacques, CEO of GCK Mobility, the certificate of the very first homologation of a hydrogen-retrofitted bus intended for series production.

This homologation is the culmination of the long-term efforts undertaken by GCK Mobility (a subsidiary of GCK) with UTAC and CNRV. The two certifying organizations validated all the tests passed by the GCK Mobility-retrofitted Iveco Crossway NF 80. The bus was transformed at the GCK group’s subsidiary workshop at their Cournon site (Puy-de-Dôme). It is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell installed in the engine compartment, which powers the electric motor’s batteries. In terms of performance, the bus has a range of 500 km with a recharge time of 15 to 20 minutes.

The GCK Bet

This is a world first because it is the first time a vehicle has received this type of on-road homologation. The retrofitted Iveco Crossway NF 80 is not only authorized to operate but can also be produced in series by GCK Mobility.

This milestone marks a significant advancement in GCK’s development, which, after several months of R&D, is starting the industrialization of its production at the beginning of 2024, with more than 100 vehicles already under contract with several clients. More broadly, this homologation helps to legitimize the retrofit sector and to go beyond the demonstrators and prototypes developed over recent years.

The issuance of the homologation by Christophe Béchu aligns with one of the government’s political priorities of reindustrializing the French territory, while taking into account the challenges of ecological transition.

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