New Hydrogen E-Buses Make Their Rounds in Vienna's City Center

From September 22, electric hydrogen buses will be regularly deployed on the inner-city Vienna bus lines 2A and 3A for the first time. The ten new vehicles combine electric drive with fuel cell technology – a so-called range extender continuously generates electricity from hydrogen during the journey. This allows the buses to operate all day without recharging.

Launch of Emission-Free Hydrogen E-Bus Fleet in Vienna City

The new technology has been tested under real conditions in recent weeks. The bus drivers of Wiener Linien had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new "Rampini Hydron" model. The bus features a 230-kW electric motor and a 175-kWh battery, complemented by a fuel cell that significantly increases range and energy efficiency.

The new buses will be stationed on the campus of Wiener Netze in Simmering. There, Wien Energie operates its own H2 filling station and electrolysis plant, where green hydrogen is produced from renewable electricity. Refueling and charging are therefore done directly on site – an example of internal synergies within the Wiener Stadtwerke group.

For the acquisition and maintenance of the buses, Wiener Linien, together with the Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure and the EU, are investing around 12 million euros.

Environmentally Friendly, Flexible, Future-Proof

The integration of hydrogen technology offers decisive advantages: The bus fleet for lines 2A and 3A can be reduced from twelve to ten vehicles thanks to higher efficiency – charging infrastructure in the city center is no longer necessary. At the same time, Wiener Linien remains flexible for route changes or special services.

Since 2013, Wiener Linien has been using e-buses – by now, nine lines in Liesing and Simmering have been completely converted to electric operation. The new competence center for electromobility in Siebenhirten, opening in 2024, also demonstrates the city's clear course towards emission-free mobility.

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