When Hydrogen Transport Failures Stop Being Surprising - CleanTechnica

The article "When Hydrogen Transport Failures Stop Being Surprising" from CleanTechnica examines a recurring pattern in hydrogen transport projects worldwide, highlighting the recent decision by Liverpool City Region to convert its hydrogen buses to battery electric vehicles due to fuel supply constraints. This pattern, described as the "odyssey of the hydrogen fleet," typically begins with strong political enthusiasm and public funding aimed at zero-emission transport pilots. Initial deployments face delays, complex infrastructure challenges, high and volatile fuel costs, and maintenance difficulties. Despite early optimism, these projects often struggle with operational reliability and low utilization, leading to limited fleet expansion and a shift in public messaging toward future improvements rather than current performance. Over time, as battery electric vehicle technology improves and becomes more cost-effective, operators reassess hydrogen projects. The decision to mothball, sell, or convert hydrogen assets becomes common, framed as a learning experience rather than a failure. Liverpool’s choice to switch to battery electric buses aligns with similar decisions made in California, Germany, and