by Molly Burgess, news journalist, molly.burgess@h2-view.com

A hydrogen-powered passenger bus has been deployed in France for the first time, a step toward the country’s goal of a 100% clean-fueled bus fleet.

The bus will run between the towns of Versailles and Jouy-en-Josas in the Yvelines region, and refuel its hydrogen tank at an Air Liquide (CSA CSM) station located in Loges-en-Josas.

The number 264 bus is capable of holding up to 39kg of hydrogen and can achieve a full charge at the Air Liquide hydrogen station in just 20 minutes, giving it a range of 300km.

The new hydrogen-fuelled bus meets the region’s energy transition objectives aiming for an entirely clean Île-de-France Mobilités bus fleet running in a densely populated area by 2025 and the entire region by 2029.

A second bus will be commissioned before the end of the year.