Daimler Buses has announced a collaboration with H2 Mobility Deutschland to enhance hydrogen refuelling station availability for transport companies. The initiative aims to provide not only access to public refuelling infrastructures but also the option to install hydrogen filling stations near transport companies or within their own depots, all without imposing investment or operating costs on public transport operators.
Daimler Buses emphasized that its electrification strategy extends beyond vehicle production. Through its subsidiary, Daimler Buses Solutions, which focuses on developing infrastructure for electric buses, the commercial vehicle manufacturer is committed to offering “turnkey solutions” for the operation of electric bus fleets. This includes providing customers with charging solutions, digital fleet management tools, and other ecosystem components as part of their electric bus purchases.
Additionally, since 2023, the eCitaro fuel cell bus, a battery-electric model with a hydrogen fuel cell for extended range, has been part of Daimler Buses’ offerings. The partnership with H2 Mobility aims to simplify access to hydrogen infrastructure for customers opting for this bus variant, pursuing a comprehensive consulting approach.
The collaboration will facilitate the use of public hydrogen refuelling stations and enable H2 Mobility to establish refuelling stations close to transport companies based on demand. Public transport operators will also have the option to set up hydrogen refuelling stations directly at their depots if needed. Mirko Sgodda, Head of Marketing, Sales and Customer Services at Daimler Buses, noted, “With H2 Mobility Deutschland, we have found a partner that makes this possible and significantly reduces the complexity for transport companies from installation to ongoing operation.”
Notably, transport companies will not incur any investment or operational costs for the refuelling station infrastructure. However, these facilities will not be exclusive to individual transport operators; public access will be maintained. “Daimler Buses customers therefore benefit from the services of an experienced provider who ensures operation and a continuous supply of hydrogen. At the same time, the public H2 tank infrastructure will be strengthened and further expanded,” the company stated.
Sgodda further explained the company’s commitment to a clear electrification strategy: “We are pursuing a clear electrification strategy, and we are putting buses with alternative drive technologies onto the road. Like our parent company Daimler Truck, we are building on battery-electric vehicles and the hydrogen-based fuel cell.” He added that the availability of hydrogen refuelling facilities near or at customer depots is crucial for smooth operations.
The hydrogen refuelling station recently opened in Mannheim is not the first of its kind at an RNV depot; a facility has been operational in Heidelberg since April. Additionally, plans are underway to construct another hydrogen refuelling station in Ludwigsburg by next year. This expansion will allow the 48 eCitaro fuel cell vehicles in the RNV fleet to refuel at three locations: Heidelberg, Mannheim, and Ludwigsburg.
