Frankfurt puts articulated H2 buses into regular service

The transport sector is one of the biggest CO₂ emitters. The goal of climate neutrality is inconceivable without a drive turnaround. Local public transport must also play its part in this. Combustion engines still dominate in buses, but things are slowly moving forward here too. As with cars, everything points to the dominance of battery-electric drives, but some transport associations are testing alternatives. In Frankfurt am Main, articulated buses with fuel cells are entering regular service for the first time.

Cost issue

In addition to battery-electric buses, hydrogen buses have also been in operation in Frankfurt for three years. According to the Hessian Ministry of Transport, they are also in operation in the districts of Groß-Gerau and Gießen. Hydrogen buses have already been tested in some cities, but the concept has not caught on. Infrastructure and maintenance are comparatively expensive, and reliability has not always met expectations. Ultimately, H2 buses cost more per kilometer than battery-electric models.

H2 in buses is rare

Classic electric buses with traction batteries are widespread in Hesse's cities, according to a survey conducted by dpa. The Darmstadt-based transport company HEAG mobilo currently has 54 electrically powered buses. Kassel has around 12 electric buses and Offenbach has 36. In Fulda, RhönEnergie Verkehrsbetriebe has seven e-buses in operation. Six more have been ordered. In contrast, hydrogen buses are rare in cities. There have been some in Wiesbaden in the past. But the transport company ESWE says: "Unfortunately, we had to realize that the technology does not suit Wiesbaden under the given conditions and have realigned the fleet strategy." Around 120 battery-powered e-buses are now on the road there.

(mfz)