Buses have been around since 1829, but the pollution they generate has accumulated, becoming such a problem that other sources are needed. Introducing the hydrogen bus.

In London there are currently 8600 buses, of which 6520 are diesel, the most polluting.  Long-term exposure to pollution leads to an estimated 10000 premature deaths per year.

At the International Zero-emission Bus Conference, London Mayor Sadiq Khan backed up Hydrogen bus trials, saying “It’s the end of the road for dirty diesel buses,”. He wants London to be “A leader in Hydrogen/electric bus technology,”, and plans to halt the production of pure diesel buses by 2018. 11 other cities, plan to do likewise by 2020, with more aiming for 2025.

Hydrogen buses are powered by a mix of a hydrogen fuel-cell and an electric battery. Wrightbus, who make them, say the only byproduct is steam. The electric battery makes them more reliable than diesel buses. Wrightbus add that the lightweight storage tanks mean that less energy in needed to propel the bus. The battery charges overnight, and features constant electronic protection from malfunctioning.

The public are getting on board. Ben, 45, sound engineer, said “These buses will help reduce London’s high pollution.”.

However, not everyone agrees. Silvia, 45, says “The Buses are interesting, but release steam, which can contribute to global warming. We should look for alternative power sources.”

Khan says hydrogen buses will be trialled in London this year,  no new diesel-powered buses will be added to TFL’s fleet from 2018, and all buses will meet the ultra-low emission standard by 2020. 300 will be zero-emission vehicles. He says “Pollution has become an increasingly big issue, so it’s about time we put a stop to it,”

Introducing the hydrogen bus.

By Manuela Goodman, Dunraven school