A fleet of 25 hydrogen-fuelled electric double-decker buses that debuted in Aberdeen, Scotland, as the world’s first of their kind, are expected to be sold off by the local council following a number of technical problems that have kept the fleet on ice since 2024.
Launched in 2021 as a flagship clean transport project, the multi-million-pound fleet formed part of Aberdeen’s ambition to position itself as a hydrogen hub, including a partnership with BP signed in 2022.
However, reliability issues following repairs – compounded by limited hydrogen fuel availability, left the buses idle for much of 2024 and 2025.
At a council meeting last Thursday, members voted to discontinue the hydrogen fleet and wind down the partnership with BP.
Local bus operator First Bus has said that it remains in discussion about the future options for the hydrogen bus fleet, while BP promised it would work closely around the “next steps” with the Aberdeen City Council.
The decision to scrap its hydrogen bus fleet was matched by the council’s commitment towards transitioning its bus fleet to battery electric buses, and reflects a broader shift in public transport procurement, with manufacturers and operators increasingly favouring battery-electric buses over hydrogen alternatives.
“As manufacturers and operators increasingly favour EVs, demand for hydrogen in transport has diminished,” the council said in a statement to the media.
“In light of these developments, both parties are reassessing their strategic direction to align with the evolving market landscape.
“The council and BP will negotiate the transfer of the joint venture to the council, ensuring Aberdeen’s assets are optimised to facilitate the city’s shift towards low-carbon EV transport.
“The steps agreed will strengthen Aberdeen’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, reaffirm the council’s dedication to renewable energy, secure best value for the city, and, alongside First Bus Aberdeen, agree a full transition away from hydrogen in favour of electric vehicles in public transport.”
Local media have reported the council is likely to seek buyers for the fleet.
First Bus, which operated the fleet of hydrogen buses, leased the 25 buses from the council for use on one of its main routes in the city, but the buses have been sitting idle at its Aberdeen bus depot since some time in 2024.
“We have worked closely with the city council on this project which has now completed,” said a First Bus spokesperson, speaking to The P&J.
“Following a review the council has taken the decision not to continue with hydrogen bus technology. We remain in discussions about options for the future of the fleet.”
The move marks one of the most high-profile reversals for hydrogen-powered public transport in the UK, as battery-electric buses continue to gain market share.
