Several new products were presented at Busworld, the 2023 edition of which was held in Brussels from 7 to 12 October 2023. With the European desire to favour zero exhaust emissions rather than an LCA approach, hydrogen is establishing itself alongside electricity as one of the major trends at Busworld. Here are some new products.
DThe latest generation of hydrogen buses from the manufacturer Safra, the Safra HyCity, successor to the Businova H2, will be on the roads from 2024 with a range of more than 350 km and a more modern design. Equipped with two electric motors each developing 125 kW of power, the Safra Hycity is equipped with a 130 kWh battery. The system consists of a 45 kW battery powered by 6 tanks installed on the roof storing 35 kilos of hydrogen at 350 bars, all for a range of 350 km given by the manufacturer.
First launched in its standard 12-meter version, the Safra will be able to accommodate more than thirty seats and will be available in two- and three-door versions. An 18-meter articulated version is also expected. The presentation is expected in 2025 after an initial test phase planned for the end of 2024.
The new Iveco E-WAY H2 was designed in partnership with HTWO, Hyundai’s hydrogen division. The two partners presented their first fuel cell bus. Installed in the rear compartment, the Korean manufacturer’s fuel cell is powered by 4 tanks installed on the roof supplied by Luxfer. Each tank stores 7.8 kilos of hydrogen at 350 bars. To complete the hydrogen configuration, the bus has a 69 kWh battery from FPT Industrial. The assembly powers a Siemens electric motor with 310 kW of power. In terms of autonomy, Iveco claims 450 km in “normal operating conditions”. With a length of 12 meters and equipped with a low floor, the Iveco E-WAY H2 is available with two or three access doors.
Other models
– Renault Master City Bus hydrogen, Hyvia’s first hydrogen minibus, can accommodate up to 15 passengers. Equipped with a single large tank, it allows up to 300 km of autonomy.
– The Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen, the first fuel cell bus from the Polish brand Solaris, offers up to 350 km of autonomy. In addition, the Solaris Urbino 18 hydrogen is the first articulated hydrogen bus from Solaris, with a length of 18 meters and a capacity of up to 140 passengers.
– Among the best-selling hydrogen buses in Europe, the Van Hool A330FC promises 350 km of autonomy. In a larger version, the Exqui.City is notably operated in the city of Pau on the BHNS Febus line.
– The Turkish manufacturer’s first fuel cell bus, the Otokar Kent, a 12-meter city bus with a capacity of 82 passengers, is developed on a low-floor base and announces a range of 500 km, all with a full tank of hydrogen carried out in 10 minutes. Placed on the roof, the 5 tanks carry 38 kilos of hydrogen. Powering a fuel cell whose power is not specified, they are supplemented by 140 kWh of batteries distributed over two packs. The assembly makes it possible to power a 410 kW electric motor.
– The Caetano H2.City Gold was developed in collaboration with Toyota and promises up to 400 km of autonomy.
– Furthermore, developed jointly with the Portuguese manufacturer, Temsa’s hydrogen coach will be equipped with a Toyota hydrogen fuel cell. Already used on board Caetano’s hydrogen buses, it will be integrated into the future Temsa HD platform. According to the brand, the vehicle will be able to offer 1000 km of autonomy on a single tank, for a market launch as early as 2025.
