A carbon free minibus powered by three different green technologies - the first of its kind in Europe - was unveiled in Wales yesterday.

The clean, green emission free tribrid bus is the result of an international collaboration, led and co-ordinated in Wales by the University of Glamorgan with funding from the Energy Savings Trust, sponsorship from the Welsh Assembly Government and the support of industry.

The bus was launched and publicly put through its paces for the first time at an Energy Savings Trust event to mark the successful completion of the project.

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The event at Baglan Energy Park marked the launch of the minibus as a viable green transport solution for commercial operators throughout the UK and Europe.

Philip Sellwood, CEO of the Energy Saving Trust commented: "With over 25% of the UK's total carbon emission produced by road transport every year technology advancements are vital. This mini bus is a great example of how cutting edge engineering can be integrated into a well known vehicle and now groups will be able to use the tribrid bus for outings."

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said it put Wales at the forefront of green technology where the development of alternative fuels for vehicles has been championed and supported by the Assembly Government and the automotive sector for a number of years.

The fuel cell system provides the low to medium constant power delivery, whereas the lead acid battery provides medium constant power.

The clean, green and silent vehicle is emission free and has a range of approximately 150 miles based on a city centre drive cycle and a top speed of 55mph.

(CD/JM)