Recharge Wrap-up: Riversimple Rasa wins award, Singapore tests autonomous buses

Singapore will test driverless buses on its roads. Two autonomous, hybrid city buses will move passengers along a short route between Nanyang Technological University and CleanTech Park, the same route that has been used to test smaller autonomous shuttles in recent years. A possible expansion of the route to the Pioneer MRT light rail station would add more distance and complexity to the trial route. According to NTU's Professor Lam Khin Yong, "this autonomous bus trial is the first of its kind in Singapore that will aim to improve road safety, reduce vehicle congestion, alleviate pollution and address manpower challenges." Surging ahead with autonomous mobility, the driverless bus project also follows the launch of nuTonomy's self-driving taxis in Singapore. Read more at TechCrunch, or at Channel NewsAsia.

The Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) is launching a campaign to showcase the benefits of fuel cell vehicles in the northeastern US. Called "Zero Emissions. Zero Compromise," the FCHEA's campaign takes knowledge gathered from the introduction of hydrogen cars in California to show stakeholders how the technology can help other parts of the country meet their environmental goals. The group has also launched a website to that effect, highlighting the cleanliness, convenience, and safety of fuel cell cars, as well as encouraging the development of fueling infrastructure. Read more in the press release.

The Welsh Motoring Writers (WMW) organization has awarded Riversimple the Automotive Achievement Award for its Rasa lightweight fuel cell vehicle prototype. The WMW praised the car for having the lowest well-to-wheel emissions of any vehicle. Riversimple Founder Hugo Spowers says to expect more developments in the coming year, including a 20-car beta test and further refinements to the Rasa. He adds, "As part of two consortia, we are also developing hydrogen components and a carbon-fiber made with flax, which could lead to the creation of a new UK supply chain and up to 7,000 new jobs." Read more from the WMW.