Life Cycle Assessment of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses: A Systematic Review of Methodological Approaches

Growing concerns over greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have positioned hydrogen fuel cell buses (HFCBs) as a promising alternative for sustainable urban mobility. By eliminating tailpipe emissions and enabling significant reductions in well-to-wheel GHG intensities when hydrogen is sourced from renewables, HFCBs can contribute to improved urban air quality, energy diversification, and alignment with climate goals. Despite these benefits, large-scale adoption faces challenges related to production costs, hydrogen infrastructure, and efficiency improvements across the supply chain. Life cycle assessment (LCA) provides a valuable framework to assess these trade-offs holistically, capturing environmental, economic, and social dimensions of HFCB deployment. However, inconsistencies in system boundaries, functional units, and impact categories highlight the need for more standardized and comprehensive methodologies. This paper examines the potential of hydrogen buses by synthesizing evidence from peer-reviewed studies and identifying opportunities for integration into urban fleets. Findings suggest that when combined with robust LCA approaches, hydrogen buses offer a pathway toward decarbonized, cleaner, and more resilient public transport systems. Strategic adoption could not only enhance environmental performance but also foster innovation, infrastructure development, and long-term economic viability, positioning HFCBs as a cornerstone of sustainable urban transportation transitions.