• Three hydrogen buses enter service as part of a broader 236-vehicle zero-emission fleet.

CTM Cagliari has introduced its first hydrogen buses, marking the arrival of fuel cell technology in Sardinia’s public transport system. The three vehicles — part of a 15-unit order — bring the operator’s total zero-emission fleet to 236 vehicles, though the overwhelming majority remains battery-electric.

The new buses are Solaris Urbino 12 Hydrogen units, each equipped with a 70kW fuel cell from Ballard Power Systems and supported by a 30kWh battery. Hydrogen storage capacity stands at 37kg, enabling operation on longer routes where battery-electric buses can struggle due to range or charging constraints. Each vehicle costs around €678,000 ($735,000), reflecting the still-premium nature of hydrogen technology.

Hydrogen’s role in the fleet is clearly defined: suburban and longer-distance routes, while battery-electric buses — which already account for 203 units — handle the bulk of urban operations. The operator also runs 30 trolleybuses, reinforcing a diversified approach to zero-emission mobility rather than a single-technology bet.

Fabrizio Rodin, President of CTM spa: “By September we will reach 236 electric buses in service. Once the five charging sites strategically distributed across the territory are completed, CTM will have a fully sustainable and green public transport system, integrated and ready to respond to the daily needs of citizens. The hydrogen buses we present today are the first in Sardinia. We approach them with great interest and we will carry out our evaluations with the seriousness that this type of innovation requires, because we are convinced that the energy mix represents an added value not only for the public transport system, but above all for the environment and for the health of those who live and move in our territories.”

During the press conference, Rodin added: “On 31 December 2026 the service contract binding Sardinian public transport companies with the Region of Sardinia will expire. The challenges ahead are significant: being able to raise this system is crucial, and it can only happen with a collective effort, without opposition between companies. In short, the objective is a system capable of improving the service through collaboration. The results will be seen over the next few months. From 1 January 2026 there will already need to be a response, which I hope will be an extension of the service contract, albeit with some adjustments, in order to then move in the medium term towards a system that delivers results.”

CTM Director Bruno Useli adds: “CTM is a company in full transformation. In this path it is essential to be protagonists of change, focusing on skilled human resources and on a strong commitment to achieving European sustainability targets. We have already electrified primary and secondary lines with electric buses and we are now preparing to test the use of hydrogen vehicles on suburban lines 9 and 19. We are also engaged in the construction of charging infrastructure, which will soon be operational in viale La Plaia in Cagliari, in Quartu Sant’Elena, at the Policlinico of Monserrato and at the Brotzu Hospital. This infrastructure development will also allow electric vehicles to become increasingly competitive and efficient in service.”

Infrastructure rollout is progressing in parallel, with 72 charging points already installed across the network, including major capacity at the main depot. Additional sites are under development to support further electrification. At the same time, hydrogen deployment remains limited — reflecting both cost and infrastructure constraints.

The long-term target is ambitious: a fully zero-emission fleet by 2030, expanding to around 290 vehicles. But the current mix tells the real story. Hydrogen is being introduced cautiously, as a complement — not a replacement — to battery-electric systems.

Source:  Fuel Cells Works