Fuel Cell Buses: Wuppertal Draws Positive 100-Day Balance

Since June, WSW mobil GmbH has been deploying hydrogen buses in Wuppertal's public transport. After the first 100 days, WSW are thoroughly satisfied with the operation of the locally emission-free vehicles. The vehicles are fueled with hydrogen generated through an electrolyzer installed at the AWG waste-to-energy plant Korzert in spring.

Not only the buses but the entire operational concept, including hydrogen production and the fueling station at AWG, have fully met our expectations. (WSW CEO Markus Hilkenbach)

The ten buses from the Belgian manufacturer Van Hool have covered 65,000 km since the fleet's commissioning. The two-axle vehicles use energy from hydrogen, which is converted into electricity for propulsion in a fuel cell during the ride. Each bus can carry 38.5 kg of hydrogen in five tanks. The tanks are located on the roof of the vehicles.

Consumption below manufacturer specification in summer months

With an average hydrogen consumption of around 8 kg per 100 km, they have a range of over 400 km. Thus, the bus consumed about 10% less than the manufacturer's specification during the summer months. With their range, the hydrogen buses still surpass battery-powered counterparts. Similar to diesel buses, one refueling per day is sufficient. The refueling process at the hydrogen station at AWG waste-to-energy plant Korzert takes about ten minutes. According to WSW's opinion, they integrate better into operations than battery buses.

Solaris delivers ten more fuel cell buses

Important for the smooth integration of the hydrogen vehicles into the WSW bus fleet is also that about half of the approximately 800 drivers have already been trained on the vehicles. The hydrogen buses are popular with the driving staff: they are quiet, comfortable, and have good driving characteristics. There is also positive feedback from passengers. Many customers have expressed the wish for more hydrogen buses to be deployed in Wuppertal soon. A wish that will be fulfilled. WSW has already ordered ten more units. The new fuel cell buses come from the Polish manufacturer Solaris and will be delivered to Wuppertal from December.

The hydrogen project “H2W” from WSW and AWG is supported by the EU funding programs Jive, Mehrlin and Jive 2, the Federal NIP2 funding program and by the state of NRW with VRR funds.