Birmingham City Council has purchased new hydrogen double-decker buses.
As part of their clean air Hydrogen bus pilot, Birmingham City Council have purchased 20 new hydrogen double-decker buses to be introduced in April 2021.
These buses are mainly powered by an electric powertrain where the fuel cells convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy.
The chemical element is stored in compressed tanks, typically on the roof of the bus. Hydrogen buses are usually classed as ‘zero emission capable’.
The buses which are made by Wrightbus are the first zero-emission buses, and this was done in collaboration with National Express.
Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, Councillor Waseem Zafar said:
“It has taken us two years to get to a point where we can ensure commercial viability for this type of fuel cell technology and is great news for our city and the rest of the region.”
The buses will allow customers to benefit from free Wi-Fi, USB chargers and extra legroom.
GBSLEP Deputy chair for delivery Chris Loughran said: “This will not only make and essential contribution to improving air quality for those who are living and working in the city but is further augments the region’s growing low carbon and energy technologies sector.
Birmingham City Council will launch the Clean Air Hydrogen Bus Pilot to monitor and review, the ongoing commercial and operational viability of hydrogen buses.
The Council says, “This will help the city’s commitment to the environment and cleaner air”.
For more information about hydrogen double decker buses, click here.
