California transit agency's hydrogen buses run on gray hydrogen at higher cost and emissions than diesel
By Eve
CleanTechnica reports that SunLine Transit Agency in California operates fuel cell buses using gray hydrogen produced from natural gas, resulting in higher greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs compared to diesel equivalents. The analysis highlights that gray hydrogen, which accounts for the majority of US hydrogen production, undermines the environmental case for fuel cell vehicles in public transport fleets. The findings raise questions about public funding for hydrogen transit projects when battery electric alternatives offer lower emissions and costs.
Why it matters
Procurement teams evaluating zero emission bus tenders must account for fuel source and total cost of ownership, as hydrogen infrastructure fed by fossil derived gas can deliver worse climate outcomes than battery electric options. The report may influence US transit agency specifications and state clean transport funding criteria.
Source
- Original title
- “Gray Hydrogen, High Costs, and the Real Emissions of SunLine’s Fuel Cell Fleet”
- Published
- 21 March 2026
- Updated
- 16 July 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- United States
- Tag
- SunLine
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