The buses are part of the JIVE (Joint Initiative for hydrogen Vehicles across Europe) project, which will be coordinated by Element Energy. Buses will be deployed in five European countries: in the UK, they will take to the roads in London, Birmingham, Dundee and Aberdeen.
The MEHRLIN (Models for Economic Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure) project aims to demonstrate a new demand-led commercial model for the deployment of hydrogen refuelling stations. Also coordinated by Element Energy, this involves a study of the real-life operation of large-scale hydrogen stations in seven European locations, including stations in London and Birmingham.
Ben Madden, director of Element Energy, says: “We are delighted to have helped start this project which has the potential to transform the hydrogen fuel cell bus sector.
“Previous projects have proved that hydrogen fuel cell bus technology is technically ready and able to meet the needs of public transport operators on all routes. This project delivers a step-change in scale which allows manufacturers to start to deliver vehicles at a commercially plausible price.”
He adds: “Its success will kick start the commercial roll-out of hydrogen fuel cell buses to assist in improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gases from our public transport systems.”