Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses Show Promise in Reducing Carbon Footprint

Strategic Insights -

Research from the Beijing Institute of Technology indicates that hydrogen fuel cell buses (HFCB) can play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector. While the production phase of HFCB generates more emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV), the usage phase of HFCB can be cleaner if hydrogen production methods are improved. Additionally, the recycling phase of HFCB can result in a significant reduction in carbon emissions. However, the overall lifecycle carbon footprint of HFCB exceeds that of ICEV, but with advancements in power infrastructure and hydrogen production, HFCB can contribute to carbon neutrality.

Key Takeaways:

  • The average carbon emissions of HFCB during the production phase are significantly higher than those of ICEV, at 84,055.91 kgCO2eq compared to 43,881.92 kgCO2eq.
  • During the usage phase, HFCB's emissions are significant, but can be reduced through improvements in hydrogen production methods.
  • In the recycling phase, HFCB achieves an average carbon reduction of 12,897.11 kgCO2eq, surpassing the reduction of ICEV by 1,046.24 kgCO2eq.
  • However, the overall lifecycle carbon footprint of HFCB exceeds that of ICEV, indicating that further improvements are needed.
  • The research suggests that with advancements in power infrastructure and hydrogen production, HFCB can contribute positively to carbon neutrality.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for the achievement of the 2060 carbon neutrality target.

Statistics:

  • Average carbon emissions of HFCB during the production phase: 84,055.91 kgCO2eq
  • Average carbon emissions of ICEV during the production phase: 43,881.92 kgCO2eq
  • Average carbon reduction achieved by HFCB in the recycling phase: 12,897.11 kgCO2eq
  • Average carbon reduction achieved by ICEV in the recycling phase: 10,746.24 kgCO2eq
  • Percentage of carbon emissions generated throughout the lifecycle of HFCB that exceed that of ICEV: 100%

Sources:

  • Can Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Facilitate Carbon Neutrality In the Transportation Sector? Transportation Research Part D-transport and Environment, 2025;144.
  • Research data obtained from the Beijing Institute of Technology
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
  • National Key R&D Program of China