Within the context of the energy transition, one of the most pressing issues to resolve is the decarbonization of urban transport. This is why buses powered by green hydrogen have emerged as a promising alternative, combining zero local emissions, extended range, and reduced refueling times. Although it is still a relatively new technology compared to battery electric buses (BEVs), green hydrogen is undoubtedly showing its potential to transform public transportation systems in major cities and industrial regions.
A green hydrogen bus is an electric vehicle that draws its energy from a fuel cell that converts hydrogen stored onboard into electricity. Unlike conventional electric buses that store energy in batteries, these vehicles generate electricity in real time through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, whose only byproduct is water vapor. It is called “green” because the hydrogen used is produced through water electrolysis, a process that uses electricity from renewable sources, such as solar or wind power. This distinguishes it from other types of hydrogen, such as gray hydrogen, which is produced from natural gas, or blue hydrogen, which may or may not involve carbon capture. In other words, the “color” of hydrogen indicates its method of production.
One of the main advantages of green hydrogen buses is that they do not produce local air pollutants. By emitting neither gases nor particles during operation, these vehicles help improve urban air quality, thereby reducing respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses linked to pollution. They also offer high operational autonomy: While a typical electric bus travels between 250km and 350km per charge, hydrogen buses can reach up to 400km or even 600km. This feature is especially useful for long routes or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems.
Another notable aspect is the refueling time. While electric buses require three to five hours to fully recharge, hydrogen buses can be refueled in just 10 to 20 minutes. This allows continuous operations without long pauses or the need for widespread, costly charging stations. Additionally, hydrogen buses operate quietly, much like electric ones, generating minimal noise during service. This improves the travel experience for passengers and significantly reduces noise pollution in urban areas.
When comparing green hydrogen buses with other available technologies, several interesting differences emerge. Compared to Euro VI diesel buses, hydrogen buses eliminate local emissions and offer a cleaner experience, albeit at a higher cost. In relation to battery electric buses, hydrogen buses outperform them in both range and refueling speed, although they still lag in terms of technological availability and infrastructure. Compared to compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which also produce fewer emissions than diesel buses, hydrogen presents an even cleaner option, though it is less mature in terms of cost and logistics.
As for costs, one of the main challenges to the widespread adoption of green hydrogen buses is their high purchase price. According to estimates from the Hydrogen Council, the cost of such a bus ranges from US$700,000 to US$900,000, depending on the model, manufacturer, and market. This places them above electric buses, which cost between US$500,000 and US$750,000, and CNG buses, which range from US$300,000 to US$400,000. At the lower end of the scale are diesel buses, which typically cost between US$250,000 and US$350,000. In addition to the upfront cost, the price of green hydrogen remains high. Producing 1kg can cost between US$4 and US$7, and a bus consumes between 8kg and 10kg per 100km, making its operation more expensive than other alternatives for now. However, it is estimated that by 2030, the cost per kilogram of green hydrogen could fall below US$2, thanks to advances in electrolyzers, declining renewable energy prices, and increasing production scale.
Another factor that increases the cost of implementation is infrastructure. A hydrogen refueling station can cost between US$1 million and US$3 million, depending on its capacity. This means that incorporating green hydrogen bus fleets will require well-structured public policy, financial incentives, and planned investment.
Despite these challenges, several countries have begun integrating this technology with encouraging results. In Germany, some cities already operate fleets of over 40 hydrogen buses with dedicated fueling stations. In France, the city of Pau operates the world’s first fully hydrogen-powered BRT system, with vehicles manufactured by Van Hool. In South Korea, the government has set a target for Seoul to operate 2,000 hydrogen buses by 2030. In Latin America, Chile took an important step in 2022 by introducing hydrogen buses in Antofagasta, leveraging the region’s solar generation capacity. In the United States, companies such as AC Transit in California have been operating hydrogen buses since 2005 and report up to 85% operational availability.
In our region, the potential for adopting this technology is high, particularly given the abundant renewable resources in countries such as Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. However, significant barriers remain, including the absence of specific regulations, low diesel prices due to subsidies, and limited financing mechanisms for pilot projects or fleet expansion. Still, the interest of multilateral organizations such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank has opened new opportunities to support clean fleets in cities with high levels of urban pollution.
The International Energy Agency considers that for green hydrogen to become competitive with other zero-emission technologies, it is necessary to scale up electrolyzer production, reduce the cost of renewable electricity, develop logistical infrastructure, and encourage cooperation between governments and the private sector. As countries implement national hydrogen strategies, public transportation will undoubtedly be one of the first sectors to benefit.
Public transportation based on green hydrogen is a growing reality. Its combination of zero emissions, extended range, and operational efficiency makes it a powerful solution for cities seeking to decarbonize their mobility systems without compromising service quality. Although current costs are still high, technological trends and international efforts point to rapid evolution. With political will, financial support, and strategic planning, green hydrogen buses can become a cornerstone of sustainable urban mobility in the years to come.
