Three Hydrogen Electric Buses have commenced service in Hobart, Tasmania, as part of a Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) trial.
This represents the first public transport initiative in Tasmania to operate buses powered by locally produced hydrogen.
The buses are driven by electric motors powered by batteries, which are charged using on-board hydrogen fuel cells. The only emission from the buses is water vapour. Refuelling is carried out at Metro Tasmania’s dedicated green hydrogen station.
The trial has been supported by the Tasmanian Government through Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania, the Department of State Growth (Tas), and project partners including Foton Mobility Distribution, H2H Energy, and the Blue Economy CRC.
Over the next two years, the hydrogen electric buses will operate on a range of Metro’s Hobart routes. Data collected during this period will provide insight into the performance of hydrogen electric buses in Tasmania’s climate and terrain.
The trial is expected to inform future decisions on bus fleet operations and contribute to the development of the local hydrogen industry.
The buses were supplied by Foton Mobility Distribution.
