Bosch and Irizar Pilot 190 kW Fuel Cell Bus in Madrid, Spain

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Bosch and Spanish bus manufacturer Irizar have launched a fuel cell bus pilot program in Madrid, with an Irizar bus equipped with Bosch's Fuel Cell Power Module (FCPM) recently carrying passengers through the Spanish capital. The vehicle primarily operates on routes where its long-range advantage can be fully utilized, with the operator being Spanish road transport company Alsa.

The pilot program comes against the backdrop of emission reduction pressures facing urban public transport in Europe: the EU requires a 90% reduction in carbon emissions from newly registered city buses by 2030, and public transport operators are seeking reliable, zero-emission powertrain solutions. Thomas Pauer, member of the Board of Management of Bosch Mobility and President of Bosch Power Solutions, stated that fuel cells complement battery-electric drive systems and are suitable for buses that travel long distances daily with limited charging opportunities along the route. He noted that this pilot project can demonstrate that Bosch's fuel cell technology is ready to meet the requirements for large-scale deployment in passenger transport.

Before entering regular passenger service, the test vehicle underwent extensive testing and completed the necessary certification processes. Going forward, daily operations under real-world conditions will be used to verify the robustness and advantages of the fuel cell powertrain system. The test bus is equipped with Bosch's FCPM C190 fuel cell system, which features a horizontal dual-stack configuration and delivers 190 kW of continuous power. Utilizing the available hydrogen tank capacity, the vehicle can achieve a range of over 1,000 kilometers, with refueling taking only 10 to 15 minutes, making it suitable for intercity service as well. In addition to the FCPM C190, Bosch also offers the FCPM C300, designed for long-distance buses and heavy-duty trucks, as well as the FCPM C100, which delivers 100 kW of continuous power in a compact, low-profile design and is intended for city bus applications.