Áustria coloca em operação primeira frota de ônibus a hidrogênio para regiões alpinas

A Österreichische Postbus AG lançou oficialmente, em 6 de maio de 2026, a primeira frota de ônibus a hidrogênio preparada para operação em regiões alpinas, na Caríntia, Áustria. O projeto coloca em circulação 35 ônibus intermunicipais do modelo MCV C127 FC LE, equipados com sistema de tração elétrica VEDS 1.0, desenvolvido pela Driventic.

A iniciativa marca um avanço na eletrificação do transporte público em áreas de relevo desafiador, onde veículos puramente elétricos a bateria enfrentam limitações. A tecnologia de célula de combustível a hidrogênio surge como alternativa sustentável, especialmente em rotas com fortes inclinações.

Os ônibus possuem piso baixo na parte frontal (facilitando acessibilidade) e seção traseira elevada para acomodar tanques de hidrogênio e o sistema de célula de combustível. O conjunto mecânico entrega até 410 kW de potência e torque de 3.100 Nm, garantindo desempenho adequado em subidas superiores a 10%.

Antes da operação comercial, os veículos passaram por testes rigorosos nos Alpes austríacos, incluindo trajetos com altitudes acima de 2.000 metros, comprovando eficiência tanto em subidas quanto em descidas com frenagem regenerativa.

O projeto também inclui a inauguração da primeira estação de abastecimento de hidrogênio da região de Villach, com planos de expansão de uma infraestrutura inteligente para atender à frota.

A Driventic, criada em 2025 como derivação da Voith, destaca que a iniciativa reforça o compromisso com a descarbonização do transporte. Já a Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (MCV), responsável pelos veículos, consolida sua presença internacional com modelos adaptados a diferentes mercados.

Austria has officially launched the first hydrogen-powered bus fleet designed for alpine operations, marking a significant milestone in sustainable public transportation. The project, led by Österreichische Postbus AG, began operations on May 6, 2026, in the Carinthia region.

A total of 35 intercity buses of the model MCV C127 FC LE have entered regular service. These vehicles are equipped with the VEDS 1.0 electric drive system developed by Driventic, representing a major step forward in the electrification of transport in challenging terrains.

Electrifying public transport in mountainous regions has long been considered a major obstacle in the mobility transition. Battery-electric buses often face performance limitations in steep and high-altitude environments such as the Alps. Hydrogen fuel cell technology, combined with powerful electric drivetrains, offers a viable and sustainable alternative for these demanding conditions.

The buses feature a low-entry design, with a low-floor front section for improved accessibility and a raised rear section that houses the hydrogen tanks and fuel cell system. This configuration ensures both passenger comfort and efficient energy system integration, while also optimizing weight distribution across the vehicle.

From a performance standpoint, the buses are equipped with a high-capacity electric motor delivering up to 410 kW of power and 3,100 Nm of torque. This allows them to maintain reliable operation on routes with gradients exceeding 10%, ensuring adherence to schedules even under demanding alpine conditions.

Prior to entering service, the vehicles underwent extensive testing in the Austrian Alps. Trial runs included routes reaching elevations above 2,000 meters, confirming the system's capability to handle prolonged uphill climbs as well as downhill sections using regenerative braking.

The project also includes the inauguration of Carinthia's first hydrogen refueling station in the Villach region. Future plans involve the development of an intelligent refueling infrastructure tailored to the operational needs of the bus network.

According to Driventic, the initiative reinforces its commitment to decarbonizing transportation through advanced propulsion systems. The company, established in 2025 as a spin-off from Voith, focuses on delivering efficient drive technologies for commercial vehicles worldwide.

The buses were manufactured by Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (MCV), a leading producer with a strong presence across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and other international markets. The deployment further strengthens MCV's position as a global supplier of innovative and adaptable bus solutions.

With this initiative, Austria positions itself at the forefront of hydrogen-powered mobility, demonstrating that clean and efficient public transport solutions can successfully operate even in the most demanding geographical environments.