Summary
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- Previous testing indicated that battery-electric buses were cost-competitive with fossil-fueled buses, while hydrogen buses were much more expensive
- Oslo shut down its hydrogen bus program in 2011 due to high expenses and technical failures
- By 2025, the case for hydrogen buses should be closed as battery-electric buses are now cost competitive
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Article
In 2013, during an EV conference in Barcelona, it was found that battery-electric buses were cost-competitive with conventional fossil-fueled buses, while hydrogen buses were much more expensive. This was confirmed by the shutdown of Oslo’s hydrogen bus program in 2011 due to high expenses and operational costs exceeding those of existing battery-electric buses. Despite these findings, hydrogen buses continued to be ordered and operated in various cities, leading to confusion as to why key decision-makers still opt for the costly alternative. While corruption and lack of mathematical or scientific expertise may play a role, the stark price difference between hydrogen and battery-electric buses should be clear to anyone involved in such decisions.
By 2025, the persistence of the hydrogen bus market raises questions about why the case hasn’t been closed yet. Although some would argue that the case has been closed since 2010, the continued orders of expensive hydrogen buses demonstrate a lack of understanding or acknowledgment of the cost-effectiveness of battery-electric buses. Decision-makers should have access to staff who can provide insights on cost comparisons and findings from previous trials, making it puzzling as to why hydrogen buses continue to be chosen over more affordable and efficient alternatives.
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In conclusion, the persistence of the hydrogen bus market despite clear evidence of the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of battery-electric buses raises questions about decision-making processes and industry trends. The need for informed choices based on data-driven insights is crucial for accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. CleanTechnica’s commitment to providing up-to-date information and fostering discussions on cleantech developments serves as a valuable resource for individuals and organizations committed to driving the cleantech revolution forward.
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