Chile Introduces First Hydrogen-Powered Bus: A Green Milestone
Key Ideas
- Chile unveiled its first hydrogen-powered bus designed with a range of 600km and a capacity for 30 passengers, part of the country's green hydrogen development efforts.
- The project, a result of a public-private partnership, required a total investment of US$750,000, sourced from multiple entities including development agency Corfo and Anglo American.
- Reborn Electric Motors, the company behind the bus, faced challenges in handling flammable hydrogen gas and programming software for efficient power management, aiming for a fleet of hydrogen vehicles.
- While slow adoption of hydrogen is noted due to costs and incentives, the company plans to certify the bus to meet transport ministry standards and expand electric vehicle technology in various sectors.
Chile recently showcased its first hydrogen-powered bus in a ceremony attended by President Gabriel Boric, marking a milestone in the country's efforts towards green energy. The bus, developed in a public-private partnership over a year, boasts a range of 600km and can accommodate 30 passengers while reaching a maximum speed of 90km/h. Reborn Electric Motors, the manufacturer, highlighted the technological challenges in building a hydrogen vehicle, focusing on optimizing range without compromising weight and ensuring safety protocols for handling the gas. The US$750,000 project received funding from Corfo, Anglo American, and Colbún, with significant costs attributed to hydrogen cells and engineering expertise.
Looking ahead, Reborn Electric Motors aims to certify the bus, conduct extensive testing in 2025, and establish a fleet of hydrogen vehicles, alongside expanding their electric vehicle technology. The discussion also touched upon the competitiveness of hydrogen, noting its potential for long-distance travel where battery-powered vehicles may lack efficiency. Despite challenges like high costs and slow adoption, the company plans to drive innovation in hydrogen technology and electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for infrastructure development and cost reduction to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the transportation sector.
Topics
Cities
Infrastructure
Investment
Electric Vehicles
Green Energy
Public Transport
Sustainable Development
Technological Innovation
Public-private Partnership
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