Comparison of Four Fuel Cell Battery Hybrid Powertrains in Bus Applications

Over the years, buses have provided an excellent platform to test and demonstrate the capabilities and benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology. There are multiple technology drivers of powering buses with fuel cells which include the need to improve urban air quality, increase energy independence, mitigate climate change, and minimize noise. Yet certain barriers to meaningful commercialization still exist, namely capital and operating expenses. To date, Hydrogenics' experience has indicated that buses with smaller fuel cells show significantly lower upfront costs, with promise of lower operating and maintenance costs. In one scenario, the anticipated lifecycle costs of a fuel cell battery dominant hybrid bus are shown to be less than that of a conventional diesel bus.