Hydrogen Bus Pilot in Asturias (Spain) Demonstrates Strong Performance and Paves the Way for Future Deployment
The Hy2Market hydrogen mobility pilot led by ALSA has successfully concluded, marking a key milestone in the validation of hydrogen-powered public transport in real operational conditions. Originally planned for the Asturias region, the pilot was implemented in Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid) due to the initial unavailability of hydrogen infrastructure in Asturias, enabling early deployment and full use of the demonstration period.
The demonstration, carried out between March 2023 and early 2026, involved the operation of a Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen bus fully integrated into a regular urban public transport line. Operating under real traffic conditions and demanding route profiles, the vehicle travelled a total of 52,736 km while maintaining stable and reliable performance. With an average hydrogen consumption of 7.1 kg/100 km, the pilot confirmed the suitability of fuel cell technology for high-frequency urban operations.
The environmental benefits of the pilot are significant. The hydrogen bus operated with zero local emissions, eliminating nitrogen oxides and particulate matter in the urban environment. Compared to an equivalent diesel bus, the operation achieved an estimated CO₂ reduction of 132 kg per 100 km, resulting in more than 55 tonnes of CO₂ avoided over the course of the pilot. In addition, the electric drivetrain contributed to a reduction in noise levels of over 50%, improving comfort for both passengers and residents.
Beyond performance results, the demonstration provided valuable operational insights. The pilot highlighted the importance of reliable hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and the need for specialised maintenance approaches as the technology continues to mature. At the same time, the progressive improvement in operational stability reflects the growing expertise and readiness of operators to integrate hydrogen solutions into their fleets.
Building on these results, ALSA has validated hydrogen buses (Class I – urban buses) as a viable solution within its zero-emission fleet portfolio. Looking ahead, ALSA plans to further evaluate hydrogen applications in Class II and Class III vehicles for medium- and long-distance transport. The pilot therefore not only confirms the role of hydrogen in urban mobility, but also supports its future expansion into broader transport segments.
The Final Results of the Hydrogen Bus Pilot Demonstration can be found in the Infographic below:
