Are hydrogen-powered buses a good fossil-free alternative to internal combustion engines? In a study for the German government, INFRAS examined various propulsion technologies in terms of their environmental impact and economic efficiency. The study provides transportation companies with a clear basis for decision making.
Decarbonizing bus fleets is a key challenge for public road transport. Battery-powered electric buses are already proven and advantageous in urban transport. The evaluation of alternative propulsion systems for more demanding application profiles - such as long routes, steep gradients, or high daily mileage - is less clear.
On behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT), INFRAS has conducted the first systematic analysis of the environmental and cost balances of hydrogen combustion engines, fuel cell buses and battery-powered buses, using diesel hybrid buses as a reference. Several challenging and realistic application profiles were analyzed for the model year 2030.
Hydrogen internal combustion engines not competitive even in best case scenario
The study shows that hydrogen combustion buses are the least suitable in terms of both environmental and economic factors in all the application profiles examined. Their low overall efficiency results in high primary energy consumption, pollution and operating costs. Even under optimistic assumptions - such as cheap hydrogen from hydropower - they cannot compete with fuel cell or battery buses. They will remain a niche solution.
Battery-powered buses offer a compelling environmental and economic case
Fuel cell buses are only slightly worse than battery buses in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, but they require more primary energy and cause additional pollution. Battery buses lead in almost all environmental indicators, although they need to be changed during the day for certain driving profiles because they reach maximum range on one battery charge.
Cost analyses confirm this picture: battery buses are the cheapest option, followed by fuel cell buses. Hydrogen combustion buses remain the most expensive solution, even with low hydrogen prices.
Methodology: Systematic analysis and realistic scenarios
The study is based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations for five typical application profiles - from urban routes to demanding regional and rail replacement services. It takes into account current and projected developments in energy demand, battery technology, hydrogen production and electricity mix.
Further information (in German)
Further INFRAS articles on this topic:
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