The South Tyrolean provincial capital of Bolzano is developing into a practical testing ground for various hydrogen-powered bus models, alongside a range of battery-electric buses from different manufacturers.
As early as 2013, the regional transport operator SASA introduced five Mercedes-Benz Citaro H2 buses into service as part of the CHIC initiative (Clean Hydrogen in European Cities) and deployed them in regular passenger operations. At the same time, the necessary infrastructure was established at the operator’s depot, albeit initially in a rather provisional form. In 2020/21, SASA commissioned twelve Solaris Urbino hydrogen buses in both single-deck and articulated versions. In 2025, nine Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G fuel cell articulated buses supplied by Daimler Buses entered service in Bolzano. These vehicles use fuel-cell technology as an extended range extender for the electric drive system and are primarily deployed on regional routes. Five Caetano H2 City Gold buses joined the fleet in spring 2026 and are also already in regular passenger service.
Alongside these fuel-cell buses, a variety of battery-electric buses are also in operation, bringing the total number of locally emission-free buses in the fleet to 45 vehicles. In 2018, two Solaris Urbino 12 electric and two Urbino 18 electric buses were procured, with additional vehicles added since then. Three eight-metre Rampini electric midibuses -model Electron – are now operating in Bolzano, too. An opportunity charging station supplied by Medcom has been installed at Bolzano Central Station and bus terminal.
The operation of hydrogen buses from different manufacturers and of various designs provides South Tyrol with extensive operational experience, which will help inform future procurement decisions. The expansion of hydrogen-based electromobility in public transport ranks high on Bolzano’s agenda. The completion of a second, even larger H2 refuelling infrastructure further underlines this. A photovoltaic system has been installed here, along with a 2MW electrolysis plant for producing ‘green’ hydrogen – the aim is for this to be produced predominantly locally emission-free in future.
