Vienna is set to enhance its commitment to sustainable urban mobility with the introduction of ten hydrogen-powered electric buses (E-H2 buses) that will begin operating on lines 2A and 3A in the city center starting September 2025.
This initiative marks a significant step in decarbonizing public transport, aligning with Vienna's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040. The compact E-H2 buses, named "Hydron" and manufactured by Rampini, combine electric mobility with environmentally friendly hydrogen technology. Each bus is equipped with a 230 kW electric motor, a 175 kWh battery, and a 30 kW hydrogen fuel cell that generates electricity during operation. This range-extender technology enables the buses to operate throughout the day without the need for frequent recharging, eliminating the requirement for charging infrastructure within the busy city center. Consequently, the fleet size for lines 2A and 3A is optimized from twelve to ten buses while maintaining operational flexibility.
The project is a collaborative effort involving Wiener Stadtwerke. Wien Energie is responsible for producing hydrogen from renewable sources, and Wiener Netze manages the refueling at their campus. Wiener Linien, a pioneer in electric buses since 2013, currently operates nearly 70 such vehicles and has thoroughly tested the new hydrogen technology. The acquisition and maintenance of these ten Rampini buses represent an investment of approximately 12 million Euros, jointly funded by Wiener Linien, the Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, and the European Union through the EBIN program.
Federal Minister Peter Hanke highlighted the importance of this development for the ongoing mobility transition, emphasizing the buses as a crucial step towards decarbonizing public transport. City Councillor Ulli Sima underscored Vienna's dedication to expanding eco-friendly public transport, noting the central role of new drive technologies in achieving climate neutrality. Monika Unterholzner, Deputy General Director of Wiener Stadtwerke, expressed confidence that pooling the companies' strengths will position Vienna as a European leader in this sector.
Cities across Europe, including Cologne, Hamburg, and Aberdeen, are also integrating hydrogen-powered buses into their transit systems, recognizing the benefits of zero tailpipe emissions, improved air quality, and reduced noise pollution. The market for hydrogen buses is experiencing significant growth, projected to expand substantially in the coming years, reflecting a global shift towards sustainable mobility. This strategic deployment of hydrogen-electric buses signifies Vienna's proactive approach to sustainable urban development and its commitment to a greener future for public transportation.