Regionalverkehr Köln (RVK), which operates Europe’s largest hydrogen bus fleet, has introduced Germany’s first hydrogen fuel cell driving school bus. The Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen, powered by Ballard fuel cell technology, will give new drivers practical experience with the technology used across the 160 hydrogen buses in regular service with RVK.
The fuel cell bus joins two diesel buses in RVK's driving school fleet, expanding the operator's ability to prepare drivers for the continued transition to alternative powertrains.
For RVK, introducing a dedicated hydrogen driving school bus connects classroom learning with the conditions drivers will encounter in daily operation. Instructors can now demonstrate the vehicle’s driving characteristics and help trainees develop safe, efficient driving habits before they enter passenger service.
Hydrogen buses have different driving characteristics from their diesel counterparts. Roof-mounted equipment affects the vehicle’s centre of gravity and handling, including during cornering and braking. Drivers also need to understand how regenerative braking recovers energy into the battery to support efficient operation.
Energy management is another key element. Unlike a conventional diesel bus, a hydrogen fuel cell bus uses an electric drivetrain and can recover energy during deceleration through regenerative braking which is stored in a battery for subsequent use. Practical training helps drivers understand how to make effective use of this capability.
As hydrogen buses become a larger part of RVK’s network, training is evolving. Giving new drivers access to the technology from the outset helps prepare them for an operating environment in which alternatively powered buses are growing in number and diesel vehicles are gradually being replaced.
RVK’s approach demonstrates how investment in vehicles and people can work together to support successful hydrogen deployment. The new vehicle has already marked an important milestone: on 13 October, a trainee successfully completed the first driving test in the hydrogen bus and joined RVK’s driving team, ready to operate the bus in everyday service.