Cost factor: Montpellier opts for electric instead of hydrogen buses

As reported by the online platform Electrive with reference to media reports, the administration of the French metropolitan region of Montpellier has decided against the purchase of hydrogen buses for four lines, contrary to earlier plans. Instead, electric vehicles (EVs) are to be deployed. The reason is significantly lower operating costs of the BEVs.

Extensive H₂ infrastructure targeted

In total, 51 Van Hool ExquiCity18 fuel cell buses were to be put into operation as part of a comprehensive project launched about two years ago. From 2023, the first 21 units were to start, with another 30 from 2025. To supply the buses with hydrogen, a project company was also founded to build and operate an electrolysis hydrogen production plant for 800 kg per day, a 2.8 MWp photovoltaic plant, a hydrogen storage and distribution stations. The project's costs were estimated to be 29 million euros. For funding, the region participated in numerous tenders and managed to secure a total of 18 million euros in subsidies.

Drive U-Turn

According to the information, the U-turn was announced by the president of the Montpellier metropolitan region, Michaël Delafosse, a few days after the beginning of the new year during the presentation of the future bus-tram network. "The hydrogen technology is promising," Delafosse was quoted as saying at the event on January 4th. However, while investments are supported, operating costs are not. And they apparently make the decisive difference: The operation of hydrogen buses is six times more expensive than that of electric counterparts, Delafosse said. 

"So we are foregoing fuel cell buses for now. In 2030, we will see if hydrogen is cheaper," Delafosse explains.

Three million euros in operating costs

The specific annual operating costs for hydrogen-powered vehicles amount to 3 million euros, according to the reports. The operating costs for electric buses are given as 500,000 euros. This translates to: 0.15 euros per kilometer for EVs compared to 0.95 euros for hydrogen buses.

The region also cites the price difference between the vehicle types as a reason for their decision. The price difference between an electric bus and a hydrogen bus is said to be between 150,000 and 200,000 euros. Additionally, the region would not have been able to produce enough green hydrogen, which would have meant having to purchase hydrogen externally.

The region still intends to stick with the hydrogen production station. The subsidies will be used differently accordingly. Julie Frêche, vice-president of the Montpellier metropolitan region and responsible for transport and active mobility, said: “The municipalities that chose hydrogen are struggling a bit. We want it to work.”