In just a couple of months, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will be using two hydrogen hybrid buses to take tourists to local volcanoes. As singer Paul Simon says, “Hop on the bus, Gus, don’t need to discuss much …”
According to the Hawaii Tribune Herald, “The hope is that the new system will help to relieve congestion along the park’s narrow, winding roads, while showing that such a task can be completed using climate-friendly technologies, said Cindy Orlando, the park superintendent.
“The vehicles are 35 feet long and 8 feet wide, capable of carrying 20-25 passengers apiece. Orlando said it was important to get vehicles that were just the right size – not too big, and not too small.”
The climate friendly technologies are what make this a truly zero emissions project. The hydrogen for the buses will be created using a combination of geothermal energy and electrolysis of water.
Last year the park had 1.3 million visitors so it is hoped that this project will relieve a small amount of this congestion and give valuable information on ridership. And the best part for consumers is that the hydrogen bus ride is free to the public.
Here are some other blog post links to other hydrogen vehicle projects in Hawaii