Hydrogen bus launches March

New Zealand’s first hydrogen bus is set to be officially launched at Ports of Auckland on March 30.

Built by Christchurch-based Global Bus Ventures (GBV) for Auckland Transport (AT), the $1.75 million hydrogen bus will be trialled for two years alongside another three-axle battery electric bus on route 70 from Botany to Britomart by transport operator Howick and Eastern.

The H2 bus will be topped up with green hydrogen at Ports of Auckland’s temporary refuelling station, with AT and Hiringa Energy looking at trialling hydrogen powered bus services using a hydrogen refuelling facility being developed in South Auckland.

AT has identified hydrogen as a potential energy storage and fuel for Auckland’s future low emission public transport fleet and has been assessing hydrogen fuel cell bus options to support the transition.

Replacing the supercity’s existing diesel buses with both electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is expected to cost between $150 million and $200m.

AT will now focus on exploring hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet deployment, with a selected bus operator contracted by AT, under a new bus fleet ownership model incorporating hydrogen supply.

As the bus is also New Zealand built, AT says it has helped support local businesses during a difficult time.

The trial outcome will assist operators to make informed decisions about which technology should be selected, based on real-world testing.

And AT’s transition plan targets a full transition to a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2030.

Further work will include investigating the potential supply of green hydrogen to support future hydrogen ferry services.