While hydrogen-powered cars and trucks may currently generate the most public attention and media scrutiny in the sector, these zero-emission vehicles often overshadow the positive developments recorded by fuel cell electric buses (FCEB) around the world. There may be fewer headlines for FCEBs, but Europe's public transport space is undergoing a historic shift. In early 2025, nearly half of all new city buses sold were zero-emission (ZEB), with FCEBs playing a growing role in this transformation. More than 1,000 FCEBs have now hit Europe's roads - proof that hydrogen buses have moved beyond pilot projects and into commercial reality.
But momentum must accelerate. To achieve the EU's 2030 climate targets, sales of ZEBs need to double annually over the next five years, while refueling and charging infrastructure have to expand at record speed. Scaling up FCEBs is not just a climate imperative - it's a strategic opportunity for Europe's transit bus industry and workforce.
Battery electric buses (BEB) and FCEBs are not competitors - they are complementary. BEBs are well suited for shorter urban routes, but when it comes to longer distances, heavy-duty operations, or challenging weather conditions, FCEBs excel. Offering operational ranges of up to 500km, FCEBs provide reliable, diesel-like performance with no emissions.
They also reduce pressure on overstretched power grids. As highlighted by the Global Hydrogen Mobility Alliance (GHMA), by combining recharging hubs with hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS), Europe could cut infrastructure costs by 20% - equivalent to €500 billion - while avoiding delays from grid upgrades.
FCEBs are also more than buses: they are engines of industrial growth. European manufacturers are already delivering hundreds of vehicles per year, supported by a strong hydrogen value chain spanning component manufacturing, fuel cell production, and vehicle assembly. Already today, FCEB production provides high-quality automotive jobs, meeting the ambition of the European Commission’s Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector.
Beyond jobs, fuel cells also reduce Europe’s exposure to critical mineral dependencies. Hydrogen buses can draw on Europe’s domestic expertise and offer strong recycling pathways - 95% of platinum group metals in stacks can be recovered. This reinforces both sustainability and strategic autonomy, objectives shared by the Net-Zero Industry Act and the Critical Raw Materials Act.
Europe has the technology and industrial base - what’s needed now is policy implementation and predictable incentives schemes lasting beyond a few months. The EU has laid the groundwork with its Clean Vehicles Directive, CO₂ emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation.
Consistent implementation of these policies, coordinated national support schemes, and tenders that encourage technological diversity will allow the fuel cell industry to further scale and be more competitive. Global players across the value chain have highlighted the same principle: predictable, harmonised frameworks will unlock investment and deployment.
Hydrogen buses have proven their performance, reliability, and value. With the right policies, Europe can scale FCEBs rapidly, strengthen its industrial leadership, and deliver cleaner air and quieter streets for millions of citizens. The choice is clear: investing in FCEBs means investing in Europe’s sustainable, competitive, and resilient future.