Peak District National Park bus trial compares hydrogen and EV

The Peak District National Park is hosting a pioneering trial in which EV and hydrogen buses will run together between multiple destinations allowing an evaluation of each technology’s suitability over the varying terrain and their respective refuelling needs.

The trial is led by the Gateway at PEAK, a planned tourism resort in Chesterfield.

The trial route connects eight key locations and attractions including Chesterfield Train Station, Chatsworth, and the planned Gateway tourism resort in Chesterfield, which will act as a hub for PEAK Express when it is due to open in 2025.

Currently 85% of park visitors arrive by car and numbers are expected to increase unless a viable alternative is provided. Regional stakeholders are also keen for more diverse groups to access the park and to grow the local economy through tourism. However, this must be done in a sustainable way which doesn’t exponentially increase carbon emissions, threaten community wellness and prosperity, or damage the park’s biodiversity.

Once fully operating, PEAK Express at the Gateway could remove 500,000 tourism journeys annually from the National Park. The long-term ambition is to see multiple hubs located around the Peak District National Park boundary.

Andrew McCloy, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, said, “We are delighted to be a stakeholder for this ground-breaking trial. Protecting the National Park for future generations and developing more sustainable ways for people to visit is high on our agenda. The PEAK Gateway site outside the National Park is an excellent location for a transport hub. The Peak Express service is a commitment to net-zero and will connect more of the National Park’s attractions without the need for a car, making them more accessible and spreading out the economic benefits of tourism.”

Hydrogen fuel and refuelling stations for the trial are being supplied by the world’s largest hydrogen producer, Air Products. The electric and hydrogen buses will be provided by Toyota.

Jon Hunt, alternative fuels manager at Toyota (GB) said, “There is not one simple solution for zero-carbon mobility. That’s why this trial provides us with an exciting opportunity to trial both EV and hydrogen vehicles, assessing which is more suitable to different types of journeys across the park. We will also be looking at optimal ways to provide refuelling and great levels of customer service on board the vehicles.”

Andrew Lavery, Chief Executive of Chatsworth, a key attraction on the route added, “Derbyshire and the Peak District are world-class destinations for domestic and international tourists, and we are thrilled to be part of this trial. Working with partners we are committed to reducing car journeys and supporting and promoting a more sustainable way of getting to and from the Peak District. There’s also a wonderful connection with hydrogen technology and Chatsworth – Henry Cavendish discovered hydrogen in 1766 and so, this venture is very interesting.” Chatsworth has belonged to the Cavendish family since 1549.

Cllr Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council praised the collaborative efforts of the project team saying, “The value of this partnership is clearly demonstrated when considering significant issues like climate change, which requires collective local commitment and action if we are to make a real difference, and we are delighted to be a key partner in this trial.

“Chesterfield has excellent road and rail connections, making it the ideal base to stay and explore the Peak District from – but we are committed to a net-zero future and this trial is an exciting step forward in how we think about our regional transport links. The trial of PEAK Express at the PEAK Resort, will make it even easier – and cleaner – for visitors to experience the UK’s first national park from neighbouring destinations, like Chesterfield.”

Results from the trial are expected to be published at the beginning of November. PEAK Express is planned to be fully operational as part of the Gateway at PEAK Resort by Spring 2025.