Green, greener, Flixbus — to meet this demand, Flixbus is investing in alternative drive systems and plans to test fuel-powered buses in long-distance bus service. The Munich-based mobility startup is collaborating with the technology company Freudenberg Sealing Technologies for this project.
E-buses can already be found in the Flixbus fleet. And buses powered by fuel cells will follow soon. At least, that's Flixbus's plan. According to the company, initial discussions regarding this project are already underway with bus manufacturers. For concrete implementation, Flixbus and Freudenberg Sealing Technologie plan to apply for public funding as part of the "National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology" (NIP). This should ensure that this technology reaches market maturity more quickly and thus contributes significantly to reducing CO2 emissions in road traffic.
“We want to help shape the future of mobility”
Fabian Stenger, Managing Director Flixbus DACH, on the motives of his company:
"We want to help shape the future of mobility. The modern Flixbus fleet is already extremely environmentally friendly. Traveling by long-distance bus already saves 80 percent of CO2 emissions compared to traveling by car. Nevertheless, we are constantly asking ourselves how we can make travel even more sustainable. After three successful launches of electric long-distance buses, we now want to develop the first long-distance bus with a fuel cell drive together with Freudenberg and set another milestone in the history of mobility."
The plan is for the fuel cell vehicles to be able to travel at least 500 kilometers without refueling. Refueling itself should take a maximum of 20 minutes.
Groundbreaking for mobility sectors
Claus Möhlenkamp, CEO of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies, continues:
"A hybrid system that intelligently combines battery and fuel cells is particularly practical for heavier vehicles that travel long distances, as purely electric drives currently have a limited range. Initially, a representative bus fleet will be equipped with the system during the validation phase. In the future, we aim to make a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions in road traffic. What we are launching on Europe's roads together with Flixmobility is also groundbreaking for other mobility sectors."
