The transport sector is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the transition to cleaner and more sustainable modes of transport is a crucial step in tackling the climate crisis. Buses in particular play an important role in public transport systems worldwide. The two main competitors in this field are electric buses and buses powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Prof. Dirk Uwe Sauer from RWTH Aachen University classifies which of the two drives is winning the race, how bus transport will change as a result of electrification, and what challenges lie ahead for local transport companies and their infrastructure. Electric buses have gained considerable ground on the market in recent years. The main advantage of electric buses is their simplicity and efficiency. The technology for electric buses is already well established, and the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles continues to expand. Nevertheless, there are some hurdles, such as the expansion of charging infrastructure, reorganization of circulation schedules, and high investment costs for fleet electrification.
