German transit operator DVG completes fuel cell bus fleet deployment in Duisburg

Fuel cell bus deployments are continuing at pace in Germany as public transit operator, Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft (DVG), has completed its second phase of deployment for hydrogen buses in its new zero-emission fleet in Duisburg. DVG introduced 14 Solaris Urbino 18 articulated units – powered by Ballard – into service on September 23.

The deployment of the Urbino 18, which has capacity for 140 passengers, takes DVG's total fuel cell-powered fleet to 25, following an initial introduction of 11 Urbino 12 units in March 2025. All buses will be utilized across DVG’s route network.

Solaris's articulated fuel cell bus integrates a Ballard FCmove^®-HD+ 100kW engine, which delivers proven performance and reliability, and the compact, durable, easy-to-install rooftop configuration provides an advanced decarbonized solution for medium- and heavy-duty mobility.

A Solaris Urbino 18 being delivered to DVG's depot, ready to deploy on routes across Duisburg

The 18-meter Solaris model is currently servicing a number of German municipalities including Aschaffenburg and Güstrow; and has recently been deployed in major European cities including Barcelona.

The introduction of these hydrogen-powered buses in Duisburg’s public transport fleet is an important milestone for a city that has set ambitious emissions targets to completely replace its diesel-powered buses with zero-emission alternatives by 2030.

As well as the Ballard-powered fuel cell fleet, DVG also has seven battery electric buses in operation across Duisburg, meaning approximately one-third of its total bus fleet is now emission-free - providing a positive foundation for the transit operator to meet its decarbonization goals by the end of the decade.

“With the new hydrogen articulated buses, DVG is continuing to drive forward the transition of its bus fleet. The commissioning of a further 14 hydrogen buses is the next important step towards completely emission-free local transport in Duisburg. As a transport company, we want to continue along this path.” 

Andreas Gutschek Chief Technology Officer, DVG

DVG's fuel cell bus fleet in Duisburg is currently refuelled at a mobile hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) at the city's Am Unkelstein depot - but a permanent HRS is currently under construction and projected to be fully operational to support all hydrogen-powered buses by the end of 2026.