Transport turnaround in Brandenburg – 46 hydrogen buses stand still, millions fizzle out
The transport turnaround in Brandenburg is increasingly becoming a stress test. In Cottbus, 46 new hydrogen buses are standing unused at the depot, although each vehicle cost around 650,000 euros. The fuel is missing. At times, the buses had to be transported on diesel low-loaders to distant filling stations. At the same time, the delivery of ordered electric buses in Potsdam is delayed. Public transport in Brandenburg is thus stuck with diesel for longer than the political promises would have led us to expect.
The hydrogen buses in Cottbus are considered technically ready for use. Their procurement was supported by considerable state subsidies. But without hydrogen, they remain mere standing objects. There is no gas station of its own. Construction is underway, but completion is not planned until the first half of 2026.
Hmm, so there were times when the buses had to be transported on diesel low-loaders to distant filling stations. Imagine that, surely it's beyond anything Ed Miliband would consider...
Or possibly not.
8 comments:
Do they use, or indeed not use, fuel cells or combustion engines?
dearieme - fuel cells I believe, as there are a number of bus manufacturers using fuel cells, but I'm not sure about that.
That's a problem with virtue inspired projects... the glorious virtue signal of buying buses overwhelms the practical aspects of implementing the project. See also Net Zero.
DJ - yes, the glorious virtue signal seems to overwhelm responsibility to such a degree that abject, predictable failure is glorious too. It's weird.
People do rabbit on about huge advances in battery technology that are, apparently, just around the corner. Whereas I'd like to see someone develop a fuel cell that runs on methanol. That could turn many "stranded assets" in remote natural gas fields into a useful source of transport fuel.
dearieme - I recently checked a YouTube video about a supposed new Tesla battery which turned out to be false. The same story appeared on a number of other sites too.
I've always liked the idea of fuel cells but don't know much about their realistic possibilities. Hyundai has fuel cell cars using hydrogen, but they aren't coming to the UK.
Fuel cells were used in spacecraft, not sure if they still are. They did have thier problems... Mainly 'BOOM' IIRC. Also low power output, the big plus is the waste is water and it is potable.If you like taseless water. Cheers!
Tony F
Tony - I believe they are still used in spacecraft but I don't know if they drink the water - maybe it's okay for coffee.
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