Hydrogen-powered transport in Israel: Ministry of Energy to subsidize hydrogen trucks
The hydrogen-powered transport sector in Israel is gaining momentum: The Ministry of Energy is launching a tender to subsidize hydrogen trucks. Colmobil has introduced the first intercity hydrogen-powered bus in Israel.
A tender by the Ministry of Energy to finance the purchase of hydrogen-powered trucks and the construction of hydrogen refueling stations in Israel is expected to be held next month. The total budget of the tender for the winners is approximately 10 million shekels.
The grant will be awarded in the first stage for the construction of one refueling station, which will be built in the eastern Negev region within a radius of up to 2 km from major roads. Funding for the station will cover up to 50% of its cost, with a ceiling of 5 million shekels. In addition, the state is interested in purchasing hydrogen-powered trucks for local authorities, and in this item as well, the state will subsidize up to 50% of the cost with a ceiling of up to 700,000 shekels per truck.
Currently, one hydrogen refueling station is operating in the north, built by Sonol and Bazan. However, the industry estimates that if the pilot succeeds, the state will allocate a larger budget for subsidizing hydrogen-powered vehicles, which will also include buses.
First bus in Israel with hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen-powered vehicles are considered economical and cleaner than equivalent electric vehicles. Due to their high cost compared to vehicles with electric propulsion or internal combustion engines, they receive significant government subsidies in many countries. A follow-up tender is expected to be published, which will also include a pilot for hydrogen-powered buses.
Meanwhile, Colmobil, the Hyundai importer in Israel, officially launched the first bus manufactured by Hyundai with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion. The bus is approximately 11 meters long, has a driving range of up to 550 km on a compressed hydrogen tank, and was loaned to Colmobil by the manufacturer to demonstrate the technology.
The bus is powered by a dual fuel cell system and is equipped with five hydrogen tanks on the roof with a total capacity of 875 liters (33.99 kg of hydrogen). This allows for refueling in 10 to 15 minutes and provides an impressive driving range of up to 550 km without emitting pollutants.
The combination of fast refueling and long driving range allows the bus to operate throughout a full working day without the need for long charging breaks, eliminating the issue of energy management when charging electric bus fleets.
