In public transportation, it’s no secret that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for zero emission fleets. The climate, steep roads, infrastructure, can all have a major impact on the decision-making process for operators when it’s time to renew a fleet. Zero emission buses (ZEBs) come in all shapes and sizes for city buses to accommodate urban roads. But the choice between electric batteries and hydrogen fuel cells is a difficult one without a clear overview of each one’s strengths and weaknesses. This article will go through a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of each option.
Operating Costs: A Win for Battery
The operational cost of a bus fleet is important to maintain its sustainability. Not just in the zero-emission sense, but in the financial one as well. Cost has been a central part of the debate for zero emission fleets, from the total cost of ownership to the upfront investment. Operators looking at the most cost-effective fuel type can easily see the best option from Eurac’s 2023 research. First published in the Journal of Energy Storage, outcome of the study showed an undeniable win for battery electric. Hydrogen fuel cell buses costed over 2 times more than electric per kilometer, after both traversing the same distance. Electricity has been found several times in similar ways to beat fuel cells in terms of cost. In many cases, this comes from just how easy it is to recharge a plug-in electric bus.
Fast Fueling Time for Hydrogen Buses
For transportation authorities and operators, a repeating factor for consideration is the time it takes to refuel. The refuel time is closely tied to the bus route and schedule. During long-winded roads with rougher terrain, it can be a hassle to modify the route for e-buses. Hydrogen can take only up to fifteen minutes to refuel. In locations with more extreme climates and geography, a shorter refuel time can be beneficial to the service provider. Although with current innovations in battery technology, an electric bus can reach a full charge in just under two hours. And as the chassis becomes more lightweight with newer designs, charging times can be cut down a great deal.
Energy Efficiency is Backed by Battery
It’s still important to take into account the actual efficiency of the fuel that powers the bus. Going hand-in-hand with cost savings, batteries are much better at retaining the energy that goes into charging. Technically speaking, this comes from the way each fuel type works. Electricity requires only that one ingredient to generate power, whereas hydrogen fuel cells need both hydrogen and oxygen. Calculations show that batteries are retaining up to 90% of the energy. Hydrogen buses are currently able to retain around 60-70% of their fuel. It’s evident that battery-electric technology has much potential in this area to save on cost and emissions for the provider.
Those in the transportation sector understand that EV’s are not a singular solution for all operations. But in most locations, the geography and climate work together to create the perfect storm for electric buses. For emission-free fleets, batteries are leading the charge. Take it from cities like Seattle and countries like the Netherlands, which have already reached incredible levels of electrification. Battery electric buses are reaching into adjacent sectors too, like aviation and ground handling. For ground service equipment providers, DINOBUS can be the winning option for electric apron buses. Servicing locations throughout Europe, DINOBUS can be a valuable option for airports committing to Net Zero strategies. Contact a representative to learn more about e-buses today.