Israel's First Hydrogen Bus Enters Service for Energy Company Employees
Translated & summarized from Bizportal by baba
Israel's first hydrogen-powered intercity bus has entered service, transporting employees of the Bazan Group in northern Israel. The bus, capable of traveling over 500 km on a single refueling that takes minutes, is part of a pilot program to assess hydrogen's viability for heavy transport. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure supported the initiative with NIS 2.5 million, with plans to expand refueling infrastructure. While economic challenges persist, successful trials could position hydrogen as a key fuel for long-haul vehicles.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's first hydrogen-powered intercity bus has begun operating for Bazan Group employees.
- The bus offers a range of over 500 km and can refuel in just a few minutes.
- The initiative is a pilot program to test hydrogen's viability in heavy transportation.
- The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure provided NIS 2.5 million for the bus's development and import.
- Plans are underway to expand hydrogen refueling infrastructure in Israel.
- Economic challenges include higher vehicle costs and significant investment in refueling stations.
The first hydrogen-powered intercity bus in Israel has begun operating, marking a significant step in exploring hydrogen as an alternative fuel for heavy transport. Auto Chen Mobility, part of the Belilius Group, delivered the bus to the Bazan Group, which will use it to transport its employees on routes in northern Israel. This initiative aims to test hydrogen's viability for applications requiring long travel ranges and quick refueling.
The Audace 1050 model, manufactured by Alenbus and Marcopolo, can carry up to 53 passengers. It is equipped with four 700-bar hydrogen tanks and a CATL battery. Project data indicates a range exceeding 500 kilometers, potentially reaching up to 600 kilometers on intercity routes, with refueling taking only a few minutes, significantly faster than charging heavy electric vehicles.
Hydronenic vehicles function as electric vehicles where electricity is generated onboard. A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity for the motor, with water as the only local emission. This technology offers a combination of long range and rapid refueling, particularly beneficial for trucks and buses operating long hours, where extended charging stops can reduce vehicle utilization.
However, the technology's widespread adoption depends on dedicated refueling infrastructure and a consistent hydrogen supply, areas where Israel is still in its early stages. The bus will utilize hydrogen produced by Bazan and will be refueled at a station established in Yagur. Israel's first hydrogen station, inaugurated in 2023 through a collaboration between Bazan, Sonol, and Clal Motors, also serves existing hydrogen trucks in the north.
The Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure supported the bus's development and import with a NIS 2.5 million grant as part of a pilot program. The ministry will monitor its performance to inform future decisions on hydrogen's role in heavy transportation. The government is also investing NIS 12.5 million to establish two additional refueling stations and purchase hydrogen trucks in the Negev, aiming to build a broader refueling network.
Despite the technological advantages, economic challenges remain. Hydrogen vehicles are more expensive than diesel counterparts, and refueling stations require substantial investment. The current deployment is primarily an operational trial, with future success hinging on long-term performance, energy costs per kilometer, maintenance expenses, and refueling infrastructure availability. Positive outcomes could lead to hydrogen playing a key role in heavy transport and long-haul routes.
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