The UK’s first fuel cell zero-emission buses go into service in central London on Wednesday 14th January.
Three first-generation hydrogen fuel-cell buses vehicles are being trialled on Route 25 (Ilford - Oxford Circus) from January 14th as part of a pioneering two-year European project to reduce air pollution and noise. The buses only emit pure water vapour.
The trial involves nine other European cities and is the largest project of its type anywhere in the world. A joint venture between London Buses, DaimlerChrysler, BP, First and the Energy Saving Trust, the project will improve understanding of how well the technology performs in urban settings, and contribute towards the aims of the Mayor’s Air Quality Strategy.
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said:
“These buses are the greenest, cleanest, and quietest ever. They will bring the sight of steam back to the capital.
“Even though we now have the cleanest bus fleet in the UK, transport is the largest source of air pollution in London. This trial will build on the work of my Air Quality Strategy and contribute to our national commitment to the Kyoto protocol.”
David Jamieson, Cleaner Fuels Minister said:
"The Government is delighted to be supporting this initiative through the Government's New Vehicle Technology Fund programme - as one element in the UK's wide engagement in innovative clean low carbon vehicle technologies."
During the trial the fuel cell buses will be subjected to rigorous ecological, technical and economic analysis, and results will be compared with conventional buses.
The buses run on hydrogen gas, contained in six cylinders on the bus roof. The fuel-cell system turns the gas into electrical power and the only emission is water, which forms a vapour cloud as soon as it leaves the exhaust and enters the atmosphere.
