Barcelona Debuts Innovative Hydrogen Buses for Sustainable Public Transport
Key Ideas
- Barcelona introduces the first two articulated hydrogen buses in Spain, part of a larger fleet to promote sustainability in public transport.
- These 18-meter long buses with a capacity for over 100 passengers will operate on the D20 line, contributing to the city's zero-emission goals.
- TMB's commitment to innovation and decarbonization is evident with plans to increase hydrogen bus presence to 10% in the coming years.
- Advantages of hydrogen buses include longer battery life, quicker charging time, energy efficiency, and ease of driving compared to electric buses.
Barcelona is set to showcase the first two articulated hydrogen buses in Spain, enhancing the city's public transport system with sustainable technology. These 18-meter long buses, capable of accommodating more than 100 passengers, will primarily operate on the D20 line, running from Passeig Marítim to the Ernest Lluch street. This initiative is part of a larger fleet of 46 hydrogen vehicles obtained by TMB, representing 5% of the total bus fleet in Barcelona. With the addition of these hydrogen buses, a quarter of TMB's buses have transitioned to zero-emission vehicles, complementing the 196 existing electric buses already in service in Barcelona. Laia Bonet, the president of TMB, emphasized the organization's dedication to innovation and decarbonization, aiming to have 10% hydrogen buses in the fleet in the near future. The hydrogen buses feature long-lasting batteries that enable them to operate throughout the day without recharging, consuming less energy and providing ease of operation due to their reduced weight. Additionally, these buses require only 15 minutes for charging, significantly less than the 6 hours needed for electric buses, enhancing their autonomy and operational efficiency. Mario Canet, TMB's head of Projects and Innovation, highlighted the benefits of hydrogen buses, emphasizing their lighter weight, improved autonomy, and ease of handling compared to electric counterparts. This strategic shift towards hydrogen buses signifies Barcelona's progressive approach towards sustainable public transport and aligns with the city's commitment to environmental preservation and technological advancement.