Bosch unveils new hydrogen fuel-cell system designed for next-generation buses
11th March 2026
Bosch has introduced a new hydrogen fuel-cell system aimed at accelerating the adoption of zero-emission public transport, particularly for city and intercity buses. The technology was showcased at a mobility event in Berlin and expands the company’s growing portfolio of hydrogen propulsion solutions for commercial vehicles. Designed specifically for buses between 12 and 18 meters in length, the system is part of Bosch’s fuel-cell power module (FCPM) lineup, which delivers power outputs ranging from 100 kW to 300 kW depending on the vehicle application. The compact FCPM C100 variant, built for urban transit buses, features a slim design that can be mounted directly on the vehicle’s roof an installation approach commonly used in European electric bus architecture. This layout helps optimize space while enabling easier integration for bus manufacturers developing zero-emission models.
The new hydrogen system converts hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy to power the vehicle’s electric motor, producing only water vapor as a by-product, making it a clean propulsion alternative for public transport fleets. Bosch says the technology is particularly suitable for buses that operate long routes or have limited time for recharging during the day scenarios where battery-electric buses may face operational constraints. In addition to the city-bus-focused C100 module, Bosch is developing the FCPM C190 variant for intercity buses and coaches, which is expected to begin testing in demonstration vehicles during the first half of 2026. A larger 300 kW system is also available for heavier commercial applications such as trucks and long-distance coaches.
The launch highlights Bosch’s broader strategy to support the global shift toward low-carbon transportation. With cities and regulators increasingly pushing for stricter emissions standards for public transport vehicles, hydrogen fuel-cell buses are emerging as a complementary solution alongside battery-electric buses. Fuel-cell systems enable longer driving ranges and faster refueling, making them attractive for transit networks with intensive daily operations. By expanding its fuel-cell portfolio for buses and heavy-duty vehicles, Bosch aims to help fleet operators reduce emissions while maintaining operational efficiency, reinforcing hydrogen’s role in the evolving landscape of sustainable commercial mobility.
What is FCPM C100 variant
The FCPM C100 variant is a hydrogen fuel-cell power module designed for city buses, developed by Bosch.
What FCPM C100 means
- FCPM stands for Fuel Cell Power Module.
- It is a compact system that converts hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor in a vehicle.
The Bosch hydrogen fuel-cell system (including the FCPM C100 for buses) is not expected in India immediately, but it could appear in pilot projects within the next few years if infrastructure and OEM partnerships develop.
Current situation in India
Hydrogen mobility in India is still at an early experimental stage. A few hydrogen fuel-cell buses have already been deployed for pilot trials, such as those developed by Tata Motors for Indian Oil, which are being tested to evaluate hydrogen technology for public transport.
These projects are meant to study real-world performance before large-scale deployment.
Bosch’s plans for India
Bosch is actively working on hydrogen technologies for the Indian market and has indicated that pilot deployments of hydrogen vehicles could start around FY2025–2026 in collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and ecosystem partners.
However, large-scale adoption depends on several factors:
- Hydrogen refueling infrastructure (currently very limited in India)
- Production of green hydrogen
- Government policies and incentives
- Commercial viability for fleet operators
Longer-term outlook
Industry projections suggest hydrogen technologies could gradually gain traction in India’s commercial vehicle sector. For example, Bosch estimates that 10–15% of trucks sold in India could use hydrogen-based technologies by 2030, indicating the expected growth timeline for hydrogen mobility.
Conclusion
So, the Bosch FCPM C100 hydrogen bus technology could reach India, but likely in stages:
- 2025–2026: pilot projects or demonstrations
- Late 2020s: limited commercial adoption
- Around 2030: broader deployment if hydrogen infrastructure expands
