Paris to have one of the largest hydrogen bus fleets for e-BRT

The Ile-de-France is to launch a tender to purchase 47 hydrogen cell buses, expected to be deployed by the end of 2023. It will be one of the largest fleets of its kind in the world.

The acquisition requires an investment of 48 million euros. Currently seven hydrogen-powered buses are deployed in the region. The vehicles are to be used on e-BRT lines, i.e. electric bus corridors, with an innovative ground charging system.

The region is aiming for low and zero-emission development with the goal of reaching 2025 with only fully electric or biogas-powered buses in the fleet (4,700 buses). Now there is talk of fuel cell technology. “We need to test all possible alternatives to further strengthen our energy matrix. And thus not depend on a single source of supply,” said Stéphane Beaudet, Vice-President of the Region.