A Bosch fuel cell system has entered passenger service in Madrid, powering an Irizar bus that operator Alsa will run for several weeks on the city’s public transport network. The vehicle uses the FCPM C190 module, rated at 190kW continuous, and is Bosch’s first customer project in the bus segment.

Route selection is deliberate. The bus will work mainly where its range can be used, with Bosch claiming over 1,000km on a full hydrogen load and refuelling in 10 to 15 minutes, which also makes the package viable for intercity work.

Regulation is doing the pushing. EU rules require CO2 from newly registered city buses to fall 90% by 2030 against a 2019 baseline, with other bus types following from 2040, and fuel cell vehicles count as zero-emission under those rules.

Thomas Pauer, member of the Bosch Mobility sector board, said in a statement that fuel cells suit buses covering long daily distances with little chance to charge. He added that the trial demonstrates the technology is ready for series production in passenger transport.

The C190 sits between a 100kW flat-package C100 aimed at urban buses and a C300 for coaches and heavy trucks. Just over 38,000 new buses were registered in the EU during 2025, which is the market this range is built to reach.

Source: Bosch