Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Accepted
Paragraph: 103
We welcome the trials of hydrogen buses which are taking place in the UK.
Recommendation
We welcome the trials of hydrogen buses which are taking place in the UK. The Government should continue to support such trials and come to a rapid view of the contribution that hydrogen-fuelled buses can make. Trials should consider the implications for other applications such as HGVs, and the decisions the trials will help to inform.
Government Response Summary
The Department for Transport (DfT) continues to support the introduction of Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) across the UK, which includes both electric and hydrogen vehicles through green bus funding schemes, and has seen that, in the vast majority of cases, operators have a preference for battery electric buses.
Paragraph Reference:
103
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Department for Transport (DfT) continues to support the introduction of Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) across the UK which includes both electric and hydrogen vehicles through green bus funding schemes. Both the current Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas Scheme and previous government schemes such as the Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme have supported the introduction of both Battery Electric buses and Hydrogen Fuel Cell buses and supporting infrastructure, depending on which technology was favoured by bus operators and local authorities. DfThave seen that, in the vast majority of cases, operators have a preference for battery electric buses for logistical and economic reasons. However, operators have indicated that hydrogen fuel cell buses may be advantageous on certain routes, for example on longer journeys or in rural areas. The ZERFD programme will install a number of hydrogen refuelling stations to support the demonstrations of hydrogen fuel cell HGVs on UK roads, several of which could be available for use by other modes/ trials.