With only water as a by-product, hydrogen fuel cell buses (FCEBs) offer an efficient and clean alternative to diesel vehicles, especially for cities aiming to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and meet net-zero goals.
In this article, we explore how hydrogen buses work, their advantages, and real-world deployments in the UK and beyond.
What are hydrogen fuel cell buses?
A fuel cell–powered bus is a type of electric bus that uses a hydrogen fuel cell to generate electricity on board. Instead of storing energy in large batteries that deplete over the duration of a journey, it creates electricity as it drives. These buses store hydrogen in onboard tanks and use fuel cell systems, such as Intelligent Energy’s IE-DRIVE HD100, to generate electricity in real time. The only emission? Water vapour.
Unlike battery electric buses (BEBs), which require downtime for lengthy charging periods, hydrogen buses benefit from rapid refuelling (as little as 8–10 minutes) and longer daily ranges, often exceeding 300 km.
Learn more about how hydrogen fuel cells compare to batteries in electric vehicles.
Why hydrogen fuel cell buses?
Hydrogen fuel cell powered buses deliver key operational and environmental advantages:
- Zero Emissions: They emit only water vapour, helping improve urban air quality.
- Fast Refuelling: Comparable to diesel buses, enabling easier depot integration.
- Long Range: Ideal for longer routes, especially in colder climates where battery performance can drop.
- Quiet Operation: Just like other electric vehicles, fuel‑cell buses are much quieter than diesel, reducing noise pollution in dense urban areas as a result.
- Scalable Technology: Suitable for single buses or entire fleets when infrastructure for refuelling is installed.
Explore more on hydrogen’s role in clean public transport.
Case studies: hydrogen buses in the UK
London
Transport for London (TfL) introduced hydrogen double-decker buses (the world’s first) on its streets as part of the drive to clean up the city’s air. Built by Wrightbus, the StreetDeck Hydroliner offers over 300 miles of range, 8-minute refuelling, and no harmful tailpipe emissions. The buses operate in busy central routes, helping cut pollution in high-density areas.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen has been a pioneer in hydrogen transport, running Europe’s largest fleet of hydrogen-powered double-deckers. The buses have been praised for their performance in cold climates and their ability to integrate seamlessly with existing operations. The city also benefits from its own hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure.
These examples show how urban mobility can be transformed through hydrogen technology.
Europe and beyond
In Europe, hydrogen bus adoption is accelerating. Between January and June 2025, 279 hydrogen buses were registered – up 426% from the same period in 2024. Manufacturers like Solaris, CaetanoBus, Wrightbus, and Mercedes-Benz are all investing heavily in hydrogen platforms, launching new models with improved fuel cell stacks and passenger capacity.
Solaris holds a 58% market share in Europe for hydrogen buses and recently won a contract to supply 130 units to Bologna, Italy. Meanwhile, Karsan, Safra, and Daimler are rolling out hybrid models that combine fuel cells with advanced battery storage to optimise performance and reduce costs.
Real-world integration: Intelligent Energy + TYCE
Tsai Ying Clean Energy (TYCE), a specialist in zero-emission public transport, integrated Intelligent Energy’s IE-DRIVE HD100 fuel cell system into their latest fuel cell electric bus. Designed for long-distance travel, buses like these could deliver over 450 km of clean range per day.
IE-DRIVE fuel cells are also being explored across automotive, stationary power, and remote or off-grid transport applications.
Hydrogen infrastructure and refuelling
Infrastructure development is crucial to scale hydrogen buses. While some cities have invested in permanent hydrogen stations, others use mobile solutions. Refuelling typically takes under 10 minutes, making FCEBs ideal for high-frequency routes.
Policy frameworks and funding, such as the UK’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme, are accelerating deployment.
For a broader look at the options for zero-emission vehicles, explore our guide.
Challenges with hydrogen fuel cell buses
Despite rapid growth, hydrogen buses still represent a small share of the zero-emission market. Battery electric buses currently dominate, primarily due to lower operating costs. However, fuel cell buses offer operational flexibility where range and refuelling speed are critical.
New advancements and automotive fuel cell innovation will help bring costs down and improve durability, making FCEBs increasingly competitive.
Hydrogen fuel cell buses are helping cities across the UK and Europe cut emissions, improve air quality, and move towards sustainable public transport. With proven performance, growing infrastructure, and rapid innovation, hydrogen FCEBs are no longer a future concept – they’re on the roads today.
If your organisation is considering hydrogen fuel cell buses, get in touch with our team to explore how our IE-DRIVE systems can support your goals.
FAQs
How far can hydrogen buses travel on a full tank?
Modern hydrogen buses can travel 300–500 km on a single refuelling, depending on design and driving conditions.
How long does it take to refuel a hydrogen bus?
Typically 8–10 minutes, making them well-suited for intensive daily operations.
Are hydrogen buses zero-emission?
Yes! The only by-product is water vapour.
What’s the difference between hydrogen and battery-electric buses?
Hydrogen buses use fuel cells to generate electricity on board, while battery-electric buses store all energy in batteries. Hydrogen buses are better for longer routes and quick turnaround times.
Can hydrogen be produced sustainably?
Yes. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and offers the cleanest lifecycle emissions.