Birmingham implements hydrogen and electric bus pilot programs

Birmingham is implementing a multi-faceted energy transition for its public transport, utilizing both hydrogen and electric battery technologies to replace diesel vehicles. As part of the Clean Air Hydrogen Bus Pilot, the city introduced 20 double-decker hydrogen fuel cell buses manufactured by Wrightbus and operated by National Express West Midlands to test the practicality of hydrogen in urban settings.

Rather than a total conversion to hydrogen, the city is pursuing a hybrid approach. The West Midlands Combined Authority reported that as of April 2025, the National Express West Midlands network had incorporated 170 new zero-emission electric buses. This brings the total number of electric buses in operation to 329, accounting for approximately one-quarter of the operator's fleet.