Hydrogen vs. Battery-Electric Buses: Complementary Paths to Clean Public Transport

As Europe accelerates its transition to climate-neutral cities, the electrification of public transport has taken center stage. Battery-electric buses (BEBs) have become the poster child of clean urban mobility — quiet, zero-emission, and ideal for short to medium routes. But hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) are fast emerging as a powerful complement, especially for long-distance and demanding service lines. Together, these two technologies offer a pragmatic, flexible approach to decarbonizing fleets, and it’s time Croatian cities embrace both.

Applications: When Battery Meets Hydrogen

While battery-electric buses perform exceptionally well on shorter urban routes with frequent stops and access to overnight depot charging, they face limitations on range, charging time, and weight — particularly in hilly or colder regions. Hydrogen buses, on the other hand, shine in these challenging scenarios. They offer longer range (350–450 km per fill), fast refueling (under 10 minutes), and no performance loss in winter or on gradients. This makes FCEBs ideal for intercity routes, suburban loops, and regional services where charging infrastructure is scarce or turnaround times are tight.

Passenger Experience and Safety: Beyond Just the Emissions

While the discussion around hydrogen and electric buses often focuses on environmental impact and operational range, passenger experience and safety are equally critical. Both technologies offer a significantly quieter ride compared to traditional diesel buses, which not only reduces noise pollution but also contributes to a more pleasant urban environment. Hydrogen buses, powered by fuel cells, are nearly as silent as their battery-electric counterparts, and both eliminate vibrations and fumes—providing a smoother, cleaner ride.

In terms of comfort, modern hydrogen and electric buses are typically equipped with advanced HVAC systems, real-time information displays, and low-floor designs for improved accessibility. Manufacturers like Solaris and Van Hool have emphasized passenger ergonomics in their hydrogen models, while leading electric bus makers such as BYD and Iveco have done the same—making the overall on-board experience largely comparable.

When it comes to safety, both bus types meet or exceed EU safety standards, including rigorous testing for battery integrity, crash resistance, and fire suppression. Hydrogen fuel systems are designed with multiple layers of protection—automatic shut-off valves, ventilation, and crash-resistant tanks—making them just as safe as electric buses in daily operation. Public demonstrations and years of operational data from cities like London, Tokyo, and Hamburg confirm that hydrogen buses are not only reliable but also safe for passengers and city environments alike.

Global Leaders Paving the Way

Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, and the UK are spearheading hydrogen bus deployments. Hamburg already operates over 50 hydrogen buses, with plans to expand further by 2030. South Korea and China have fleets exceeding several hundred FCEBs each, supported by extensive refueling infrastructure. London’s TfL introduced hydrogen buses as early as 2011 and continues to scale the technology. Feedback from these cities consistently highlights high uptime, good passenger satisfaction, and growing cost-effectiveness as production scales.

Croatia’s Next Step

Zagreb’s push into hydrogen mobility has begun, but the pace must increase. The city has secured EU funding for 20 hydrogen buses, and pilot tests have proven successful. Yet, challenges remain — primarily infrastructure and regulatory readiness. INA is working on hydrogen refueling stations, but implementation is lagging behind schedule. If Zagreb wishes to meet its sustainability goals and remain competitive among forward-looking European capitals, it must accelerate deployment now. Public transit strategies should integrate both battery and hydrogen buses where they make the most sense — this hybrid approach delivers environmental gains without operational compromise.

Conclusion: Integration, Not Competition

The future of clean public transport isn’t about choosing between hydrogen and batteries. It’s about recognizing their strengths and integrating both into a smart, resilient transit system. Cities that adopt a dual-technology model — electrifying core urban routes and extending reach with hydrogen — will enjoy the greatest flexibility, environmental benefits, and long-term savings. At Solarwatt, we remain committed to advancing this vision in Croatia and beyond, helping municipalities adopt hydrogen solutions where they bring the highest value.