The debate on the most cost-effective eco-friendly transportation is still in progress. A recent article published by Hydrogen Insight has reported on a new number: hydrogen buses are over 41% more expensive in the long range of their usage, in comparison to battery-powered public buses. This issue surrounding hydrogen fuel cell power isn’t new, though. Hydrogen buses have received critique in a number of different countries. These are only some of the reported shortcomings involving hydrogen buses.
Cost Per Lifespan
The Centrale D’Achat du Transport Public (CATP) in France, presented a detailed analysis of the total cost of ownership (TCO) for hydrogen fuel-cell bus models versus battery-electric ones. The analysis found that a 12-meter hydrogen bus costs roughly €1.3 million per lifespan. In comparison to that, an electric bus costs around €972,000 over the same 15-year span, or €1.62 per kilometer. The cost difference amounts to a total of €394,800 per bus.
Purchase and Operational Costs
The initial purchase cost of hydrogen fuel-cell buses is notably higher compared to that of battery-electric buses. €650,000 as the average cost of a hydrogen bus, it turned out to be 17% more costly than a similar electric unit. But it is the higher lifetime cost of hydrogen buses that account for their fuel expense. Hydrogen buses demand 70% more in fuel, putting battery powered buses in the forefront. Even with subsidies, hydrogen fuel continues to be costly. In France, hydrogen costs range from €10 to €14 per kilogram, accounting for the installation and distribution expenses of hydrogen refueling stations. Conversely, the expenses for powering battery-electric buses encompass the installation and upkeep of charging stations and the required infrastructure, yet these expenses remain less than those for hydrogen refueling.
Maintenance and Longevity
The maintenance expenses of both hydrogen and electric are an additional complication. While hydrogen buses are generally slightly less expensive to maintain, the cost difference is minimal. According to the CATP report, the lifetime maintenance cost of a hydrogen bus is approximately €257,000, whereas an electric bus is around €270,000. This cost disparity is partly due to the need for battery replacements over the lifespan of electric buses. The durability of hydrogen fuel cells remains another concern. Typically, a hydrogen fuel cell’s lifespan varies between five to ten years, which may need quite expensive replacements throughout the operational life of the bus. This factor was not entirely considered as part of the CATP’s lifetime cost estimates, showing that the real maintenance costs for hydrogen buses might truly be higher.
Real-world Applications and Policy Implications
The implications of these findings are quite evident in the actions of local governments. For instance, the French commune of Pau has now opted to switch to battery-electric buses for future acquisitions due to the aforementioned expenses and technical difficulties encountered with hydrogen buses. This move highlights the necessity for affordable and dependable public transportation options as cities strive to lower carbon emissions and enhance the sustainability of the fleet. Moreover, the study’s results align well with wider trends in the industry. The EU’s 2030 Climate Target Plan, which is setting out to have a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions from the 1990s, strongly advocates for the adoption of zero-emission buses. Due to their reduced operational expenses and technological improvements, battery-electric buses are increasingly favored by numerous public transportation providers on a global scale.
The study by CATP sends a definitive message: although hydrogen buses are promising in terms of emission reduction, their elevated costs render them less appealing compared to battery-electric buses. In the global pursuit of stringent environmental goals, the economic viability of transportation options will be pivotal in the decision-making process. It’s crucial for governments and transport authorities to evaluate the environmental advantages and the financial viability of their public transport investments. Given that battery-electric buses have shown to be more economical throughout their lifespan, they are expected to spearhead the shift towards more sustainable urban transit systems.
For additional information, you may consult the detailed reports and articles that underpin this analysis, available on platforms such as Hydrogen Insight.