Summary
- Hydrogen buses lose range in the winter, just like battery electric cars
- Fuel cells are inefficient and only extract 40% to 60% of the energy in hydrogen
- Chinese manufacturers focus on battery electric buses and use heat pumps for efficient heating in cold weather
- Western manufacturers waste time and money on hydrogen buses instead of improving battery electric buses
- North American electric bus manufacturers like New Flyer could improve range and efficiency by using heat pumps and larger batteries in cold weather operations.
Article
The debate between hydrogen and battery electric buses continues to rage on, with proponents of hydrogen buses claiming that they do not require additional heating in the winter due to waste heat from fuel cells. However, real-world data shows that fuel cell vehicles do experience range losses in winter, similar to battery electric cars. The inefficiency of fuel cells in extracting energy from hydrogen means that the waste heat generated is not a cost-effective way to provide heating. Additionally, the process of electrolysis to produce hydrogen is only about 60% efficient, further reducing the overall energy usage.
In comparison, battery electric buses have the potential to be more efficient and cost-effective, especially with the plummeting prices of batteries. Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Yutong have recognized the importance of heat pumps in cold climates and are continuously improving their buses to operate efficiently in extreme weather conditions. European cities have been buying these Chinese buses for years, incorporating advanced electric heating systems and battery thermal management to optimize performance in subzero temperatures. In contrast, North American manufacturers like New Flyer have been lagging behind, focusing more on hydrogen buses instead of maximizing the potential of battery electric buses.
Chinese cities like Harbin, known for its freezing winters, have successfully integrated electric buses with advanced heating systems to provide a comfortable ride for passengers. BYD and Yutong’s emphasis on continuous improvement and innovation has allowed them to dominate the global electric bus market, while Western manufacturers struggle to compete. The reliance on diesel heaters in North American electric buses is a result of strategic mistakes by manufacturers like New Flyer, rather than a necessity due to insufficient heating options for electric buses.
Despite the success of Chinese electric buses in cold climates, North American manufacturers continue to push for hydrogen buses as a solution. This strategic error not only hinders progress towards more efficient and sustainable transportation systems but also creates unhappy customers who realize the limitations of hydrogen buses compared to battery electric buses. As the cleantech revolution accelerates, it is crucial for manufacturers to prioritize the development of battery electric buses with advanced heating systems to meet the demands of cold weather regions.
Supporting independent cleantech coverage and investing in technological advancements for electric buses is a vital step towards a sustainable future. By contributing to the growth of the cleantech industry, individuals can help drive the transition towards cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions. Embracing innovation and prioritizing the adoption of battery electric buses with improved heating systems will not only benefit the environment but also lead to significant cost savings and energy efficiency in the long run.
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