Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of hydrogen used by a hydrogen bus can vary depending on factors such as the size of the fuel cell system, the driving conditions, and the efficiency of the fuel cell. On average, a hydrogen bus may consume around 5-8 kilograms of hydrogen per 100 kilometers of driving. This is results in the same operational range as a traditional diesel bus. However, it is worth noting that the exact amount of hydrogen used can vary greatly based on the specific make and model of the bus, as well as its operating conditions.
The lifespan of a hydrogen bus can vary depending on factors such as maintenance, operating conditions, and the quality of the components. On average, a hydrogen bus can last between 12 and 15 years, which is similar to the lifespan of a traditional diesel bus.
However, the key components of a hydrogen bus, such as the fuel cell, the hydrogen storage tanks, and the power electronics, are designed to last for many thousands of hours of operation and can often be replaced or refurbished as needed, allowing the bus to continue operating for a longer period of time.
It's also worth noting that advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology are continuously being made, leading to more durable and longer-lasting fuel cells and other components, so the lifespan of a hydrogen bus may continue to increase in the future.
A hydrogen fuel cell bus is a type of bus that uses a fuel cell to generate electricity, which is then used to power the vehicle's electric motor. The fuel cell works by combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water and heat as byproducts. This makes hydrogen fuel cell buses environmentally friendly as they emit only water and heat, with no harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. The heat can also be captured to provide heat to the passenger saloon, reducing the total energy required to keep the bus warm for passengers in the colder months.
Fuel cell buses have a range similar to that of traditional diesel buses, and they can be refueled quickly and easily with hydrogen, making them a practical and convenient alternative to traditional diesel buses.
Fuel cell technology has been under development for several decades, and significant progress has been made in recent years to improve its efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. As a result, hydrogen fuel cell buses are becoming increasingly popular as a means of reducing emissions and improving air quality in cities and towns around the world.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a type of vehicle that is powered by an electric motor and runs on electricity from batteries rather than gasoline or diesel fuel.
An electric vehicle works by using an electric motor, powered by a battery pack, to turn the wheels and move the vehicle. The battery pack is recharged by plugging the vehicle into an electric charging station or by using regenerative braking to capture energy that would otherwise be lost as heat during braking.
Some of the benefits of electric vehicles include lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and improved air quality. EVs are also typically more efficient than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, as they don't suffer from the energy losses associated with internal combustion engines.
The range of an electric vehicle can vary depending on factors such as the size of the battery pack, the driving conditions, and the efficiency of the vehicle. On average, an electric vehicle can travel between 200 and 400 km on a single charge, although some new models can travel even further.
The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle can vary depending on the type of charging station and the size of the battery pack. Charging at a fast direct-current charger can take as little as 2 hours, while charging at a slower alternating-current charger can take several hours.
The upfront cost of an electric vehicle can be higher than that of a traditional diesel-powered vehicle, but the lower operating costs and reduced emissions can offset the higher upfront cost over time. Additionally, many countries offer incentives and tax credits to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, making them more affordable.
The height of a double-decker bus, which is the same as its vertical measurement, generally falls within the range of 4.0 to 4.5 meters (13 to 15 feet), varying based on the bus model and construction.
The height of a double-decker bus, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the bus, typically ranges from 4.0 to 4.5 meters (13 to 15 feet), depending on the specific model and design.
The height of a double-decker bus typically ranges from around 4.0 to 4.5 meters (13 to 15 feet), depending on the specific model and design.
Electrification is not the whole solution, but certainly part of the solution. There are diverse routes, topography, frequency or service, passenger loads and other factors to consider. Wrightbus has a unique route planning tool which assess all the routes from a depot and it identifies which routes are suitable for battery electric and which are better service with hydrogen electric buses.
Buses have a very different duty cycle to cars, where battery electric seems to be favoured over other forms of zero emission technology (this is not the best approach). To cover routes that hydrogen buses are more suited to you have to have twice the number of battery electric buses to cover the route duty cycles to allow for recharging times, not the most efficient way to deploy capital funds on a zero emission fleet.
Pioneering work is being done to develop hydrogen combustion engine technology by global brands like JCB and Toyota. We are watching this closely and would not rule out this technology in the future when engines are available that match the performance of current diesel technology. The good aspect of this technology is that the emissions is carbon free water vapour.
The buses currently use gaseous hydrogen, to the specification required for fuel cell use. We always stay open-minded and there may be a place for liquid hydrogen in the future.
The buses have 350bar hydrogen tanks, which we feel is a suitable pressure for HGV type transportation (trucks are working on the same). Cars tend to use 700bar tanks to get additional range, however to double the pressure means the tanks need more than double the carbon fibre composite wrap, adding significant cost of the tanks.
Yes, hydrogen is widely used in industrial applications and as such they have very strict rules and regulations on hydrogen, which makes hydrogen a very safe option. Wrightbus follows stringent hydrogen and pressure vessel regulations on-board the buses. There are over 100 hydrogen buses in service and this fleet have covered over 2 million kilometers safely.
Hydrogen does not have a specific shelf-life and is a non-reactive gas so can remain as hydrogen for many years. Generally the rule of thumb is to not keep gases stored for longer than 3 years, due to the potential for contamination.
Hydrogen is often referred to in different colours, but the best way is to consider fossil-derived hydrogen or renewable hydrogen. The hydrogen itself is exactly the same, it is classified by the type of energy used to make it:
Fossil-derived
- Blue hydrogen – hydrogen produced by Steam Methane Reforming of Natural Gas and CO2 produced is captured and stored. Technically “Net-Zero” if all CO2 is captured and stored – technology is still in development.
- Grey hydrogen – hydrogen produced by Steam Methane Reforming of Natural Gas (CO2 produced in the process.
- Turquoise hydrogen – hydrogen produced by Methane Pyrolysis of Natural Gas, where the outputs are hydrogen and solid carbon.
Renewable
- Green hydrogen – hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water using renewable electricity (from wind, solar, hydro, etc.)
- Yellow hydrogen – a derivation of green hydrogen when it is specifically made from solar energy
- Pink hydrogen – hydrogen produced using nuclear energy.
Wrightbus hydrogen buses can work with all colours of hydrogen. Ideally, to ensure true Net Zero journeys, the hydrogen should be sourced from zero carbon emitting energy supply. Then the journeys the buses make, have zero carbon consequence in service and from the hydrogen supply.
E-fuels are synthetic, man-made fuels where hydrogen is produced and combined with carbon captured from the air. It is still in its infancy and the cost is extraordinarily high at compared to diesel or hydrogen, which would make ticket prices to high to be acceptable to commuters.
Other General Questions
Wrightbus Headquarters in Ballymena, Northern Ireland is home to the world’s first double deck hydrogen bus and the world’s most efficient battery electric bus, as well as our new single deck products. We understand that bus and technology enthusiasts would love to come and visit the site and take a look around behind the scenes at production and at our finished buses. Unfortunately we are currently unable to facilitate private tours and cannot offer private photo opportunities. We do endeavour to share as much of our production environment on our social media pages, along with official photographs of new products as soon as they have been officially launched by their operators. Occasionally we host official tours, such as the NI Science Week Tour, and we will advertise booking for these events as far in advance as possible.
Unofficial photography is not permitted on the Wrightbus site.
Thanks to our continued success, Wrightbus now employs over 1000 people, and our teams are growing. We have career opportunities company wide. From production, logistics, engineering, quality and support roles, there are a wide range of avenues open to begin or progress your career. Please visit the careers section of this site for more information and to listen to staff testimonials on their experiences as part of the Wrightbus team.
