ARKANSAS, Sept 13 (Future Headlines)- The transition to sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation is accelerating across Europe, with hydrogen-powered buses emerging as a promising solution. Solaris, a subsidiary of the CAF Group, is at the forefront of this shift, securing substantial contracts worth a total of EUR 150 million to supply 235 hydrogen buses to Italy and Germany. These contracts signify a significant leap towards the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell-based public transport, offering not only environmental benefits but also economic advantages.

• Italy’s commitment to hydrogen-powered buses

In Bologna, Italy, the municipal public transport operator TPER has embarked on an ambitious mission to integrate 127 hydrogen-powered buses into its fleet. This initiative is part of one of the largest hydrogen fuel cell bus projects in Europe. The contract with Solaris also includes the possibility of expanding the order to a staggering 267 vehicles, underscoring the city’s commitment to sustainable transportation.

The chosen vehicles are Solaris’s 12-meter Urbino hydrogen buses, equipped with a robust 70 kW fuel cell that generates power from hydrogen stored in five composite tanks on the bus’s roof. This innovative configuration grants these buses an impressive range of 350 kilometers on a single hydrogen fill. Commencing in 2024, the delivery of these new hydrogen buses will kick off with an initial batch of 34 units. The remaining buses are expected to be in operation between 2025 and 2026, marking a remarkable step towards reducing the city’s carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly commuting options.

• Venice’s hydrogen-powered fleet

Across the scenic waterways of Venice, Italy, the Azienda Veneziana della Mobilita (AVM) transport company has chosen Solaris to supply 90 hydrogen-powered buses. This order encompasses 75 standard 12-meter buses and 15 articulated 18-meter buses. Remarkably, AVM has retained the option to further augment its fleet with an additional 18 hydrogen buses.

The delivery of these cutting-edge hydrogen buses is scheduled between the end of 2025 and the early weeks of 2026. Venice, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, is also making a name for itself in sustainable public transportation. The region already hosts over 30 zero-emission Solaris buses, including both electric and hydrogen-powered units. This significant investment underlines Venice’s commitment to reducing emissions and embracing eco-friendly transit solutions.

• Germany’s cologne: Leading the hydrogen revolution

Germany, a powerhouse in the European automotive industry, is also committed to green mobility solutions. In Cologne, the Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK), a prominent transportation operator, has once again selected Solaris to enhance its fleet with 18 articulated 18-meter hydrogen buses. This marks the third order for hydrogen-powered buses from the CAF Group for Cologne. In 2021, Cologne introduced its first 15 Solaris hydrogen buses, followed by an additional 20 of the 12-meter model. With this latest order, expected to be delivered in the second half of 2024, Cologne is poised to have one of the most extensive fleets of hydrogen Solaris buses in Germany, totaling over 50 vehicles serving the city’s residents and visitors.

These initiatives underscore the growing commitment of European cities to transition to clean and sustainable public transportation solutions. Hydrogen-powered buses offer an environmentally friendly alternative, emitting only water vapor during operation and playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector.

• The Rise of Hydrogen as a Sustainable Transport Solution

The adoption of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy carrier in the transportation sector is gaining momentum worldwide. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising solution for decarbonizing various modes of transport, including buses, trucks, and even trains. This transition aligns with international efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. This means zero harmful emissions, making hydrogen an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles offer comparable range and refueling times to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. This eliminates range anxiety and provides a familiar driving experience for consumers. Hydrogen refueling stations can fill a tank in a matter of minutes, similar to the time it takes to refuel a gasoline or diesel vehicle. This rapid refueling capability is crucial for public transportation fleets with tight schedules.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is scalable and can be applied to various vehicle types, from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks and buses. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of transport applications. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are quieter than their conventional counterparts, contributing to reduced noise pollution in urban areas.

As hydrogen-powered buses become a common sight on city streets, they serve as catalysts for change, inspiring other regions and industries to explore the potential of hydrogen in reducing carbon emissions and advancing a sustainable future. The road to a hydrogen-powered world is well underway, and the journey promises a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable tomorrow.