Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers several compelling advantages. Hydrogen FCEBs can cover longer distances between refuels and take significantly less time to refuel than BEBs. Moreover, FCEBs generate electricity on-board using a fuel cell, which only needs hydrogen to operate. This process emits nothing but water, making FCEBs an attractive zero emissions option.
BEBs have their own advantages. One of the most significant is the lower capital costs. They also have fewer moving parts than their hydrogen counterparts, which can lead to lower maintenance costs.
Compiled and verified: November 2024
| 40' FCEB | 40' BEB | |
|---|---|---|
| Range | Medium-duty, electric heaters: 400km |
Medium-duty, diesel-electric hybrid heaters: ~320 km
Medium-duty, electric heaters: ~270 km
|
| Cost | $1,900,000 | $1,600,000 |
| Infrastructure |
Hydrogen production:
on-site or off-site (Electrolysis or SMR) Compression: Hydrogen is compressed to high pressures (350-700 bar) for storage and transport Dispensing: Gas panel, high pressure storage, chiller, 350-bar dispensers to refuel buses |
In-depot:
Chargers are installed at depot to allow for overnight and midday charging are typically at 50-200kW plug-in, pantograph or inductive. On-route: Chargers are installed at designated stops to allow for opportunity charging during recovery time. They are typically at 450kW pantograph or inductive |
| Refuelling/charging time | 10 minutes |
150 kW charger: 200 minutes
450 kW charger: 100 minutes
|
| Typical battery/tank size | 100 kWh battery - 40 kg tank | 550 kWh battery |
FCEBS GENERATE ELECTRICITY ON-BOARD USING A FUEL CELL, WHICH ONLY NEEDS HYDROGEN TO OPERATE.
BEBS HAVE A MORE ESTABLISHED CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE COMPARED TO HYDROGEN BUSES, WHICH CAN MAKE THEM A MORE PRACTICAL CHOICE FOR CITIES LOOKING TO TRANSITION TO ZEBS QUICKLY.
