Can hydrogen fuel cell bus facilitate carbon neutrality in the transportation sector?

Authors

• Hecheng Yan
• Ziyi Liu
• Chidong Zhou
• Lei Liu
• Xi Li
• Bingya Xue
• Kai Huang
• Yajuan Yu

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2025

Subject Area

infrastructure - vehicle, technology - alternative fuels, technology - emissions

Keywords

hydrogen fuel cell bus (HFCB), carbon emissions

Abstract

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) emerge as the promising alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV). This study focuses on hydrogen fuel cell buses (HFCB) and assesses carbon footprint (CF) across the life cycle. During the production phase, the average carbon emissions of HFCB are 84055.91 kgCO2eq, significantly higher than the 43881.92 kgCO2eq of ICEV. During the usage phase, HFCB’s emissions are significant, but the cleanliness of hydrogen production methods can significantly reduce the emissions. In the recycling phase, the average carbon reduction achieved by HFCB is 12897.11 kgCO2eq, surpassing the 10746.24 kgCO2eq reduction of ICEV. However, it is not sufficient to offset the carbon emissions generated throughout the life cycle of HFCB. The overall lifecycle CF of HFCB exceeds that of ICEV. Finally, with changes in power infrastructure and advancements in hydrogen production, HFCB will contribute positively to carbon neutrality, accelerating the achievement of the 2060 carbon neutrality target.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.

Comments

Transportation Research Part D Home Page:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13619209

Recommended Citation

Yan, H., Liu, Z., Zhou, C., Liu, L., Li, X., Xue, B., ... & Yu, Y. (2025). Can hydrogen fuel cell bus facilitate carbon neutrality in the transportation sector?. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 144, 104754.