ARTHUR is developing their products to accelerate the global transition to a zero-emission future. ARTHUR BUS, their first step towards such a future, offers state-of-the-art emission-free buses. To learn more we spoke with Philipp Glonner, CEO and Co-Founder, who told us more about ARTHUR.

In 2022, Tech Tour had a programme focused on Hydrogen for the first time. We were very excited as it has been a dream of ours. We are proud to present ARTHUR - a startup that not only passed the scrutiny of our Selection panel of investors and is an award-winner, but also drove all the participants to the event venue in Duisburg with their zero-emissions bus. You can meet more startups challenging the status quo at our upcoming sustainability events.

 

In short, ARTHUR is developing their products to accelerate the global transition to a zero-emission future. ARTHUR BUS, their first step towards such a future, offers state-of-the-art emission-free buses. To learn more we spoke with Philipp Glonner, CEO and Co-Founder, who told us more about ARTHUR.

 

Q: Introduce yourself and tell us more about your current position and company?

A: My name is Philipp Glonner, and I am the CEO and Co-Founder of ARTHUR. ARTHUR is a mobility company and system manufacturer. The first solution of ARTHUR is a 12-meter hydrogen bus for public transport, which is currently the most advanced hydrogen bus in the market in terms of efficiency and consumption. It's the first element of ARTHURS' zero-emissions ecosystem.

 

Q: What keeps you up at night?

A: The lead times of our suppliers regarding our production. It has always been difficult to anticipate such developments, but the current economic situation in Europe poses a major challenge for many companies.

 

Q: Tell us about your product? What problem is it solving, and what makes your solution unique?

A: Our product is a zero-emission hydrogen bus that aims to reduce CO₂ emissions in the commercial vehicle segment by providing cities and municipalities with a viable alternative to diesel buses.

ARTHUR utilizes hydrogen fuel cell technology, which produces only water vapour as a by-product, making it a more environmentally friendly option to traditional diesel buses. Our holistic energy system makes our solution unique on the market.

 

Q: How did you start your journey, and where are you now on the road to achieving your ambition?

A: Our company was established in March 2021, and we quickly began building our team by hiring our first employees in May. Through dedication and tireless efforts, we have successfully developed and manufactured the most advanced hydrogen bus on the market. We are currently in the process of our serial production to meet the increasing demand for our innovative and environmentally friendly transportation solution.

 

Q: Can you share a story of a client using your product/service and what influence it had on them?

A: We recently visited a city operator in Frankfurt to demonstrate the operation of our hydrogen fuel cell bus. The operator, who was involved in the commercial hydrogen vehicle industry since 2015, was genuinely surprised by the efficiency and effectiveness of our energy consumption concept, particularly in comparison to his prior experiences.

 

Q: What is your company's biggest achievement to date?

A: Receiving the official EU Vehicle-Type Approval-Certificate as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and the opportunity to participate in public tenders already within this short period of time.

 

Q: What was the tipping point that made you a doer and impacted your vision?

A: Securing the support of our lead investor was the pivotal moment for our business, as it provided the funding and backing needed to move forward with our project or idea, which impacted our company's vision and goals.

 

Q: How do you see your company making a difference in the future?

A: Our company can save about 35.000 tons of CO₂ by 2028 with a conservative production roadmap. With the right investors and strategic partnerships, this is only the beginning.

 

Q: How is the current situation impacting your business? What is your company's immediate response? What are the alternatives (products, services) you are now thinking on?

A: The current circumstances directly impact the lead times and prices of our suppliers. As a result, it is imperative that we renegotiate the terms of our agreements and incorporate these changes into our production processes and sales strategies. Unfortunately, viable alternatives to our current suppliers are not readily available currently. It is essential that we take the necessary steps to ensure the continuity of our operations and maintain the integrity of our supply chain.

 

Q: How have you benefitted from the Tech Tour events and activities? What do you consider is the best asset of the Tech Tour's activities?

A: The Tech Tour has provided a clear and significant benefit in expanding and strengthening our network of investors. We are actively utilizing these connections and opportunities in the future. The most notable advantage of the Tech Tour is the opportunity to participate in large-scale pitch sessions, which have proven to be extremely valuable in raising awareness and interest in our company among potential investors. Overall, the Tech Tour has proven to be an asset for our organisation, and we will continue to leverage the connections and opportunities it has provided us to reach our business goals.

Meet more future makers like ARTHUR in our upcoming sustainability events.