The Hydrogen Workshop Transit Agencies Actually Need
Summary
On March 20, 2026, CUTRIC will host a hydrogen fuel cell bus readiness workshop in Mississauga, Ontario, sponsored by MiWay. This initiative aims to prepare transit agencies for the transition to hydrogen buses, supporting Canada’s green future.
Key Insights
How do hydrogen fuel cell buses work, and what makes them different from battery-electric buses?
Hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) use hydrogen gas as an energy source to generate electricity through a chemical reaction that produces only water as an emission. Unlike battery-electric buses that rely solely on rechargeable batteries, FCEBs use hybrid battery-fuel cell powertrains where fuel cells act as onboard battery chargers. The fuel cell systems store twice the power of a standard bus battery at a fraction of the weight, and the fuel cells provide electricity to batteries and motors while maintaining optimal battery charging levels throughout the day. This hybrid approach allows FCEBs to achieve ranges of up to 480 kilometers, overcoming range and route flexibility challenges that battery-only buses may face.
Why is Mississauga's hydrogen bus initiative significant for Canada?
Mississauga's hydrogen bus initiative represents Ontario's first hydrogen-powered bus program and is part of a Pan-Canadian demonstration trial led by CUTRIC. The project aims to establish Canada's first local hydrogen ecosystem in Mississauga by developing green hydrogen supply chain infrastructure to support fuel cell electric bus deployment across Ontario. Phase 2 of the initiative includes testing 10 FCEBs with MiWay's fleet and evaluating their performance, cost, and environmental benefits. This demonstration is significant because it will provide invaluable insights and best practices that can support other Canadian transit agencies in their own transitions to sustainable transit solutions. Additionally, the project aligns with Mississauga's Climate Change Action Plan, targeting an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with transit accounting for approximately 70% of the city's current emissions.