Video: The case for fuel cell buses - myths and  reality

Critics often argue that fuel cell buses are inefficient and lack a future in public transportation. However, the growth in real-world deployments and technological advancements tell a different story.

In a new video, Ballard’s Nicolas Pocard, Vice President Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, contrasts some of the myths and criticisms faced by the hydrogen and fuel cell sector with practical examples, deployment data, and operator insights.

The future of clean public transport is often framed as a battle: Battery electric versus hydrogen buses. Some critics say the laws of physics make hydrogen inefficient, costly and unnecessary. But is that the whole picture?

The focus for fuel cell buses is no longer on test fleets of five to 10 zero-emission vehicles running limited service. The technology – and increasingly infrastructure – is ready to scale up to large deployments with some cities now operating fleets with more than 100 vehicles in full service.

Today, over 10,000 fuel cell buses have been deployed worldwide – with the majority in China, and over 1,000 in South Korea alone. More than 700 fuel cell buses are now in operation in Europe and North America. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) reports 82% growth in fuel cell bus registrations in Europe in 2024, and while the total number of buses is still modest compared to their electrical counterparts, it is clear that cities are investing in hydrogen-powered buses – not as an alternative, but as a necessary part of the zero-emission transit mix.

It’s true that battery electric buses have a higher energy efficiency when measured from grid-to-wheel. But energy efficiency isn’t the only factor that transit agencies consider. They provide an important public service, and they prioritize operational performance. Fuel cell buses offer greater range, higher vehicle utilization,  and route flexibility – even in demanding terrains or climates where electric buses are challenged. With decades of deployment experience and millions of kilometers on the road, hydrogen-powered transit vehicles have proven to be a genuine one-to-one replacement for diesel buses.

View the full video here:

Public transport isn’t about choosing between hydrogen and battery - it’s about selecting the right tool for the right job. For short urban routes, battery electric buses work well. But for longer distances, high-frequency services, harsh weather, and grid-limited locations, fuel cell buses are the smarter choice.

That’s why more and more cities worldwide aren’t choosing one or the other - they’re choosing both.