Possibilities of using hydrogen buses in urban transport

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to present the possibilities of using hydrogen buses in urban transport taking into account technological, economic and environmental conditions. Design/methodology/approach: Analysis of international literature, Polish literature and reports related to the development of alternative energy sources in vehicles and urban transport development. Findings: The Polish government to achieve the environmental requirements of the European Union obliges local government units to ensure the share of zero-emission buses in the fleet of vehicles in use. On the basis of the conducted analysis we can say that a significant advantage of hydrogen vehicles is the total lack of emissions, a long range of up to 350-400 km and short charging times. However, a significant problem is insufficient infrastructure - not enough hydrogen stations. Despite this difficulty, more and more manufacturers are interested in producing hydrogen vehicles, and investors are seriously considering the costs and benefits of zero-emission buses. Unfortunately, none of the economic analyses that have been commissioned by Polish companies providing transport services have shown the viability of using hydrogen buses. Originality/value: The paper shows the global trends in the development of city buses with particular attention to hydrogen buses.