The public transit agency for the city of Montpellier, on the southern coast of France between Toulouse and Marseilles, has cancelled a contract to procure 51 new buses powered by hydrogen fuel cells, citing concerns about their cost of operation. Few things are more important to a fleet manager than the cost per kilometer for fuel, which is computed down to the thousandth of a euro. When vehicles are traveling millions of kilometers a year, every centime counts.
Citing a report by La Tribune (paywall), Electrive says the plan to switch to hydrogen fuel cell buses began more than 2 years ago under former city president Philippe Saurel. Montpellier Horizon Hydrogen, as the project was known, called for the purchase of 51 hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses for 4 future bus routes. The first 21 fuel cell buses were expected to enter service in 2023 with an additional 30 buses being…
French City Cancels Hydrogen Bus Contract, Opts For Electric Buses
