On 13 November 2025, an important demonstration for the future of zero-emission mobility in Tyrol took place as part of the H2Alpin research project: the new hydrogen-powered intercity bus from manufacturer MCV completed a demanding test drive from Kematen via Praxmar up to Kühtai, continuing into the Ötztal valley and back again. The MCV bus successfully mastered these topographical challenges, providing clear evidence that fuel cell propulsion technology has already reached a high level of maturity.
The 12-meter bus is equipped with a 100 kW fuel cell (Ballard Power Systems), a 100 kWh buffer battery, and a powerful electric drivetrain with a peak output of 410 kW (300 kW continuous power) – sufficient to confidently handle even steep sections such as those around Kühtai or challenging bus stops located on gradients.
For the test drive, 40 kg of hydrogen stored in four roof-mounted tanks were available. These were filled with green hydrogen at MPREIS in Völs, in cooperation with the WIVA P&G HyWest project. Hydrogen consumption on the Kühtai route was around 7 kg H2 per 100 km.
The vehicle’s handling was also impressive: despite all major components – tanks, air conditioning system, and fuel cell – being installed on the roof, the prototype exhibited very stable driving behaviour.
Insights for Future Operation
The manufacturer emphasized that route-specific adaptations remain important for hydrogen buses, for example with regard to battery charging limits or energy supply from the fuel cell. This is the only way to ensure sufficient recuperation capacity when driving downhill and to prevent energy from being wasted.
A few minor technical aspects will still be optimized before series production, but the overall conclusion was clear: the MCV bus is very well suited for operation in alpine environments.
Significance for the H2Alpin Project
For the Tyrolean research project H2Alpin, this test drive represents another key milestone. The aim of the project is to evaluate the suitability of hydrogen heavy-duty vehicles under real alpine conditions. While a Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell Truck is already being successfully operated in MPREIS’ logistics fleet as part of WIVA P&G HyWest, the MCV test drive now provides valuable technical and organizational insights for bus transport in Tyrol.
Under the leadership of Standortagentur Tirol, H2Alpin demonstrates that hydrogen can play a key role in climate-friendly mobility in alpine regions – both in freight transport and in public transport.
As a consortium partner in H2Alpin, FEN Research at Green Energy Center Europe contributes expertise from completed and ongoing research projects in the field of hydrogen mobility. Drawing on many years of experience in developing a regional green hydrogen economy, this know-how represents an essential building block in the transformation of the energy system toward climate neutrality and autonomy.
