Technical and supply issues for Polish hydrogen buses

Hydrogen-powered bus fleets in Polish cities are facing significant operational challenges due to technical failures and supply chain issues.

In Chełm, an audit of Chełmskie Linie Autobusowe (CLA) revealed that all NesoBus models experienced malfunctions, totaling 466 faults and 684 days of vehicle downtime between January 2025 and April 2026. These failures resulted in 450 missed trips. Additionally, hydrogen supply was disrupted by an electrolyzer failure at a supplier, forcing the company to transport fuel from western Germany, a distance exceeding 1,500 kilometers.

In Świdnik, three hydrogen buses purchased from Arthur Bus have been grounded for several weeks due to recurring battery and suspension issues. The municipality has had to substitute these vehicles with traditional internal combustion engine buses to maintain service. The situation is further complicated by the bankruptcy of the manufacturer, Arthur Bus, in November 2025, which creates uncertainty regarding long-term maintenance. These incidents occur as Poland pursues a broader strategy to deploy zero-emission vehicles through programs like ‘Green Public Transport’.