Israel Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Intercity Bus in Pilot Program
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
Bazan Group has launched Israel's first hydrogen-powered intercity bus, a pilot project supported by the Ministry of Energy with 2.5 million shekels. The Audace 1050 model boasts a range of over 500 kilometers and a rapid refueling time of under five minutes, aiming to overcome limitations of electric buses on long routes. While the bus itself has zero emissions, the overall environmental benefit depends on how the hydrogen is produced. The project is part of a larger government initiative to develop hydrogen infrastructure, with an additional 10 million shekels allocated for related development.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's first hydrogen-powered intercity bus, the Audace 1050, has begun service between Nahariya and a refinery.
- The bus offers a range exceeding 500 kilometers and refuels in under five minutes, ideal for long routes.
- The project is a pilot program supported by the Ministry of Energy with 2.5 million shekels.
- Bazan Group is testing hydrogen technology for heavy transport, complementing its existing hydrogen infrastructure.
- The government has allocated an additional 10 million shekels to develop hydrogen infrastructure in Israel.
Bazan Group has introduced Israel's first intercity bus powered by hydrogen fuel cells, marking a significant step in testing the technology for long-haul transportation. This initiative aims to address the limitations of conventional electric buses, such as range anxiety and lengthy charging times, particularly on extensive routes. The bus will operate daily, transporting Bazan employees between Nahariya and the company's oil refinery complex, utilizing hydrogen produced by Bazan itself. The project has received support from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, which has allocated 2.5 million shekels towards it.
The Audace 1050 model bus, developed with solutions from ALLENBUS and Marcopolo, can accommodate up to 53 passengers. It is equipped with four high-pressure hydrogen cylinders and a CATL high-voltage battery. Its declared range exceeds 500 kilometers on intercity routes, potentially reaching up to 600 kilometers under certain conditions. A key advantage is its rapid refueling time, reported as under five minutes, comparable to diesel buses, which is crucial for extended operational periods without lengthy stops.
While termed a hydrogen bus, the vehicle functions as an electric car. Hydrogen reacts with oxygen in a fuel cell to generate electricity for the motor, producing only water vapor as exhaust, thus qualifying as a zero-emission vehicle during operation. However, the overall environmental impact depends on the method of hydrogen production. The Ministry of Energy has pledged an additional 10 million shekels to foster hydrogen infrastructure, including charging stations and the procurement of hydrogen trucks, alongside efforts to establish a "hydrogen valley" in the eastern Negev.
This pilot program is vital for Bazan, which has been developing hydrogen infrastructure in Israel, and for the Ministry of Energy, which views it as a test of the technology's viability in Israeli conditions. While electric buses are currently more prevalent in Israel with around 2,500 in operation, hydrogen technology is seen as a potential complement for long-distance routes where rapid refueling and extended range are paramount. Despite its advantages, the higher cost of hydrogen fuel cells and low-carbon hydrogen production remain significant challenges, with cost-competitiveness contingent on future price reductions.
For passengers, the bus offers a familiar intercity format with modern amenities, including air conditioning and advanced safety systems like blind-spot monitoring and pedestrian/cyclist warnings. The success of this single bus on its daily route will provide valuable insights into hydrogen's potential to transition from demonstration projects to a regular component of Israel's transportation system.
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