CaetanoBus Delivers EMT Madrid's First Electric Hydrogen-Powered Buses
Key Ideas
- CaetanoBus delivered EMT Madrid's first 10 electric hydrogen-powered buses for operation on route 145, aiming for a zero-emission fleet by 2030.
- The buses are equipped with Toyota fuel cell modules, offering a range of over 500km and refueled using green hydrogen produced on site in less than 15 minutes.
- Nuno Lago de Carvalho, Chief Commercial Officer of CaetanoBus, emphasizes the importance of hydrogen mobility for decarbonizing large bus fleets and combating climate change in line with European Commission targets.
- Despite concerns about hydrogen technology, hydrogen buses are seen as vital for longer journeys and as an alternative to pure battery electric buses.
In late December, CaetanoBus successfully delivered EMT Madrid's initial fleet of 10 electric hydrogen-powered buses, marking a significant step towards sustainable public transportation in the Spanish capital. These buses, part of the Caetano H2.City Gold model, are set to operate on route 145, with a shared objective to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet by 2030. Equipped with Toyota fuel cell modules, the vehicles boast a range exceeding 500km and will be refueled utilizing green hydrogen generated on-site through a cutting-edge electrolyser capable of producing 18 kg/h. Additionally, the buses can operate for up to 20 hours per day, showcasing their efficiency and viability for daily use.
Nuno Lago de Carvalho, the Chief Commercial Officer at CaetanoBus, expressed his satisfaction in delivering these environmentally friendly buses to EMT Madrid, underscoring the pivotal role of hydrogen mobility in reducing carbon footprints and helping major transport operators align with the ambitious environmental goals outlined by the European Commission. While acknowledging existing reservations concerning hydrogen technology, the article emphasizes the continued importance of hydrogen buses for extended journeys and as a complement to fully electric alternatives. This deployment highlights Spain's growing interest in sustainable transportation solutions and sets the stage for the broader adoption of green technologies in the region's public transit sector.