Letters | In going green, Hong Kong must make a bigger push for hydrogen buses
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While electric vehicles have been a focus of the new energy vehicle push, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are emerging as a better option for operators of public buses or heavy-duty vehicles. Hydrogen fuel-cell buses have a range of more than 400km, refuel in less than five minutes and are thus more suitable for long, frequent service routes.
In contrast, electric battery-powered buses have about half the range, and it takes three hours to recharge them. These limitations narrow their application, leaving them more suitable for short, less frequent and low-lying routes. Besides, hydrogen fuel-cell buses do not require much more parking and refuelling space than traditional buses, and would not cause space concerns in an already dense city.
The government has established an interdepartmental working group to study various issues before legislation is enacted.