Public-Private Partnership Presents the First Hydrogen Bus Made in Chile.
The event was led by the President of the Republic, Gabriel Boric Font, along with three of his ministers. The project, developed by Anglo American, Colbún, and Reborn Electric Motors, in collaboration with the National Pilotage Center and Fundación Chile, received funding from Corfo through the Innova Chile Committee.
Rancagua, December 11, 2024. In a ceremony held at the Reborn Electric Motors factory in Rancagua, Chile's first hydrogen-powered bus was unveiled. The event was led by the President of the Republic, Gabriel Boric Font, government authorities, and representatives from the partnering institutions, who all highlighted this achievement as a milestone toward sustainable mobility and an example of the potential of public-private partnerships.
The initiative is spearheaded by Anglo American, Colbún, and Reborn Electric Motors, with support from Corfo’s Create and Validate funding line — through the Innova Chile Committee and the Sustainable Productive Development Program (DPS), led by the Ministry of Economy with Corfo resources — as well as collaboration from Fundación Chile and the National Pilotage Center (CNP).
The project aims to explore new alternatives for zero-emission fuels, promote manufacturing activities linked to the hydrogen value chain, and support the development of industrial startups in Chile. The process began in December 2023 and culminated in the design and construction of an innovative vehicle that sets a precedent for hydrogen-based electromobility in the country.
The President, joined by the Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Juan Carlos Muñoz; the Minister of Mining, Aurora Williams; and the Minister of Energy, Diego Pardow, toured the bus within the facility.
“This first hydrogen bus is a concrete result of the progress generated by the National Strategy for Sustainable Productive Development in Chile. We have an unprecedented opportunity with the energy transformation, not just for Chile but for the world. Here, as in many areas, there is a virtuous synergy. Public-private collaboration allows us to better leverage Chile’s vast potential. Our country can grow beyond forecasts and develop inclusively and sustainably, supported by the energy transformation the world needs. We are strategic allies in this journey,” said the President.
After unveiling the bus, he added, “This is a tangible example of the path we must and can follow as a country: more environmental protection and family well-being, greater productivity, efficiency, and added value for our economy. That is what we want for Chile.”
Patricio Hidalgo, CEO of Anglo American in Chile, also highlighted the project's environmental and social impact: “I am very proud to be part of this emblematic milestone: we are launching the first hydrogen bus built in Chile, thanks to public-private collaboration. This launch is an invitation to optimism about what we, as Chileans, can achieve and to showcase our capabilities to the world.”
José Ignacio Escobar, CEO of Colbún, emphasized the project’s transformative potential for electromobility: “This first hydrogen bus made in Chile marks the starting point for one of Colbún’s dreams to drive other industries toward sustainable development, just as we have done in the electricity sector over the past 38 years. Thanks to public-private collaboration and all the partners involved, we are demonstrating that Chile can lead in energy transition and sustainable mobility.”
Ricardo Repenning, co-founder and CTO of Reborn Electric Motors, added: “For Reborn, a Chilean enterprise developed in the O’Higgins Region, this project opens a new business line using hydrogen for sustainable transport. This public-private alliance demonstrates our rapid and effective ability to develop new technologies and enhance Chile’s human capital to work with hydrogen.”
For Corfo's Executive Vice President, José Miguel Benavente, “This initiative showcases the essence of Corfo’s work: high-impact, scalable technological solutions from regions outside the Metropolitan area, enabling the recovery of Chile's manufacturing and industrial potential to tackle crucial challenges like decarbonization.”
About the Bus
The bus’s construction involved a total investment of USD 750,000, equally funded by Anglo American, Colbún, and Corfo. Designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in the country, the vehicle cements Chile's leadership in energy transition and innovative technology development.
The bus accommodates 30 passengers, has a range of 600 kilometers (H2 + battery), and can reach a top speed of 90 km/h. Its design makes it suitable for various environments, including urban, industrial, and rural areas, standing out for its versatility and zero-emission impact.
One of the vehicle's key components is its hydrogen fuel cell, the “heart” of the system, which converts chemical energy stored in hydrogen into electricity. This electricity powers the bus’s electric motors, eliminating the need for an internal combustion engine and reducing emissions to water vapor. The fuel cell, integrated into the vehicle’s design, operates efficiently and safely, providing the energy required for its operation.
The bus will not only run on public routes after homologation and permits but will also serve educational purposes in Chilean schools and universities, promoting technology transfer and laying the groundwork for scaling up similar developments.
This project strengthens R&D efforts to advance green hydrogen deployment, highlighting both the environmental benefits of this fuel and Chile’s abundant resources for its development. It also represents a concrete step in the National Green Hydrogen Strategy, positioning the country as a leader in energy innovation and sustainable mobility.