The radius of action is an important factor that makes fossil fuels attractive for public transport applications. No one is willing to wait an hour for his bus because the battery is empty. This problem could be solved by a green fuel with sufficient capacity.
Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology are developing the first cross-town bus that uses formic acid as fuel.
The twelve meter long bus is build up from several modules, that make it flexible in the choice of drive technology. This flexibility makes it easier to build a formic acid driving system. Researchers have found a way to convert formic acid into hydrogen and vice versa. Because formic acid is a liquid and has a relatively high energy density, it is a promising technology.
The team of students has built a prototype of a car on formic acid already. Now they intend to make a bus. The want to contribute to a sustainable world.