BAE Systems, based in Endicott, has announced a new partnership with GILLIG to supply electric drive trains for hydrogen fuel cell buses. This collaboration involves another firm supplying the hydrogen engines for the buses. The companies plan to undergo an initial development phase with the objective of reaching full-scale production of 300 drive trains annually for GILLIG by 2027. BAE Systems, a high-tech manufacturer, has a history of 25 years in innovating alternative propulsion systems for buses, dating back to its Westover location. Rob Dykema, the Senior Director for North American Transit at BAE, highlights the evolution from hybrid fuel plus battery systems to zero emission platforms powered by either batteries or hydrogen. Dykema emphasizes that the use of hydrogen is one of the tools that can help improve emissions in big cities, alongside other solutions, depending on the availability of grid power or hydrogen in different regions. Currently, there are 17,000 buses in North America equipped with BAE hybrid propulsion systems. The new contract with GILLIG is expected to create a backlog, leading to job growth opportunities in Endicott, benefiting the local economy.