Comparison of Fuel Cell and Battery Electric Buses

This technical report discusses the relevance of Fuel Cell Electric Buses (FCEBs) compared to Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) in the context of zero-emission public transport. It outlines the current state of the bus industry, highlighting that zero-emission buses represented approximately 12.7% of new bus registrations in the European Union in 2022. The report details the operational differences between FCEBs and BEBs, emphasizing that while BEBs require extensive charging infrastructure and can face range limitations due to temperature variations, FCEBs offer quicker refueling times and longer ranges, making them more suitable for certain operational contexts. The document also presents the advantages and disadvantages of both technologies, noting that the choice between them should consider specific route characteristics to maintain service efficiency. Furthermore, it discusses the implications of adopting zero-emission technologies in urban transport networks and the European Commission's proposal for all new city buses to be zero emission by 2030.