State of Carinthia (Land Kärnten)

The buses use advanced hydrogen storage systems supplied by Hexagon Purus, based on Type IV composite cylinders designed for 350‑bar operation in bus applications.[4][5] Type IV cylinders typically have a polymer liner fully wrapped with carbon fiber composite, which offers a high strength‑to‑weight ratio and corrosion resistance suitable for mobile hydrogen storage. For the MCV buses, these systems are integrated into roof‑mounted modules that hold around 40 kg of hydrogen while minimizing impact on passenger capacity and vehicle handling.[2][4]

The MCV C127 FC LE is a low‑entry hydrogen‑electric intercity bus that combines a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system with a battery‑electric drivetrain.[2][7] According to MCV and Sustainable Bus, the Carinthia configuration uses a 100 kW Ballard FCmove‑HD+ fuel cell system, a 117 kWh traction battery and about 40 kg of onboard hydrogen, delivering an advertised range of up to 400 km per refuelling.[2][7] The design targets regional routes with high daily mileage and limited charging infrastructure, offering fast hydrogen refuelling similar to diesel fueling times.[1][2]

The Villach deployment includes the inauguration of the first dedicated hydrogen refuelling station associated with the DeCarB Carinthia bus decarbonization project.[1][2] This infrastructure is designed to serve the 35‑bus fleet and potentially future hydrogen vehicles, integrating hydrogen supply, compression, storage and high‑pressure dispensing equipment at or near the bus depot.[2][6] Although specific production methods (green vs. grey hydrogen) are not detailed in the open sources consulted, the station is positioned as a key enabler of emission‑free regional bus operations in Carinthia.[1][2]

Carinthia (including Villach and surrounding valleys such as the Lower Drau Valley, Lake Faak and Lake Ossiach regions, Gegendtal, Rosental and Wernberg)