New Bosch fuel-cell system begins test operations in Madrid

New Bosch fuel-cell system begins test operations in Madrid

In Europe, pressure on urban public transit is mounting: in light of mandatory EU requirements to reduce carbon emissions from city buses by 90 percent by 2030, public transit operators are seeking reliable, emissions-free solutions. To this end, an initial test operation is now launching in Madrid.

“The fuel cell is the perfect complement to battery-electric powertrains – even in bus operations.”

Thomas Pauer

Thomas Pauer

Member of the Bosch Mobility sector board and president of Bosch Power Solutions

“Fuel cells are especially well-suited for buses that travel longer distances every day and rarely have the opportunity to charge en route. With this trial, we can clearly demonstrate that Bosch’s fuel-cell technology is ready for the demands of large-scale deployment in passenger transport.”

Equipped with a fuel-cell power module (FCPM) from Bosch, an Irizar bus has been transporting passengers through the Spanish capital for several weeks now. Vehicle operation will focus on routes where the fuel cell’s long range allows it to fully demonstrate its advantages. The operator is the Spanish bus company Alsa.

Over the past few weeks, the test vehicle has already undergone extensive testing and received the necessary approval. Day-to-day operation in real conditions will now confirm the robustness and strengths of the fuel-cell powertrain. The test bus is equipped with the FCPM C190 fuel-cell system from Bosch. This compact system is based on a horizontal double stack and delivers a continuous output of 190 kilowatts. With the available hydrogen tank capacity, ranges of over 1,000 kilometers are possible, with refueling times of just 10 to 15 minutes. This means the bus can also be used for intercity service. In addition to the FCPM C190, Bosch also offers the FCPM C300, a system designed for heavy-duty tour buses and trucks. The portfolio is rounded off by the FCPM C100, which, with a continuous power output of 100 kilowatts and a flat design, is the ideal solution for city buses.

Bosch technology along the entire hydrogen value chain

Bosch is strongly committed to building an H2 economy, and is developing technical solutions for the production, infrastructure, and use of hydrogen. In 2025, the company announced the launch of its Hybrion PEM electrolysis stack for hydrogen production. Bosch is also working on technology for hydrogen engines and offers corresponding components for port and direct injection. At the end of 2025, a team of developers from Bosch won the German Future Prize, the federal president’s award for technology and innovation, for their development of the mobile fuel cell.

Fuel cell power modules

Fuel cell power modules

The scalable fuel cell power module is a fuel cell system that generates electricity from hydrogen in vehicles. It is primarily used in commercial vehicles, especially in long-distance applications. The system comprises a fuel cell stack and the fuel cell submodules, such as those for hydrogen and air, which are required for the stack to operate.

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