The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is launching a pilot program to test hydrogen fuel cell buses this fall. The 10-bus pilot is part of SEPTA’s efforts to transition to a zero-emission fleet by 2040. SEPTA aims to determine the optimal mix of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for its future fleet.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Pilot Details
The year-long pilot project will involve 10 New Flyer hydrogen fuel cell buses operating on various routes. These routes will be in Philadelphia and its suburbs, allowing SEPTA to evaluate bus performance in different conditions. SEPTA will compare the hydrogen buses to its current diesel hybrid buses and upcoming battery electric bus pilot.
“We will be a mixed fleet, between battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell,” said Tyler Ladd, SEPTA’s power engineering director. “These pilot projects will help us determine what that percent mix is going to be.”
Advantages and Challenges of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses
Hydrogen fuel cell buses offer several advantages over battery electric buses:
- Longer range
- Faster refueling time
- Better performance in cold weather and hilly terrain
However, hydrogen production and storage come with their own challenges. Most hydrogen today is made using natural gas, which contributes to climate change. Hydrogen fuel cell buses are also less efficient than battery electric buses when considering energy losses in production and conversion.
Safety Concerns and Community Engagement
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network, an environmental advocacy organization, has raised concerns about the safety and transparency of SEPTA’s hydrogen bus pilot. The group argues that the project is being launched without adequate public input. They worry about the potential risks of storing and handling hydrogen at the Midvale Depot in Nicetown.
SEPTA maintains that it is ensuring the safety of its workers and the community by following all applicable codes and regulations. The transit authority is providing extensive safety training and upgrading its maintenance facilities with hydrogen sensors and special ventilation systems.
The Future of SEPTA’s Zero-Emission Fleet
As SEPTA works toward its goal of a fully zero-emission fleet by 2040, it expects a mix of bus types. The transit authority believes battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses will meet its operational needs. The hydrogen bus pilot program, along with upcoming battery electric bus tests, will help SEPTA determine the optimal balance. This balance between the two technologies will shape SEPTA’s future sustainable transportation network.
Read More: Hydrogen Trains : The Future of Zero-Emission Public Transport
