Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: Driving the Future of Sustainable Transportation

Driving the Future: How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles are Shaping Sustainable Transportation

The global hydrogen fuel cell vehicle market size reached around USD 1.49 billion in 2024. According to EMR analysis, the market is assessed to witness a CAGR of 47.9% between 2025 and 2034 to attain a value of USD 50.58 billion by 2034.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer distinct advantages over battery electric vehicles, including quick refueling times, making them ideal for long-distance travel and time-sensitive applications. They also provide a longer range than many electric vehicles, appealing to drivers seeking convenience and efficiency. Further, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, hydrogen fuel cells typically achieve energy efficiencies of 40% to 60%, significantly higher than the approximately 25% efficiency of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. The number of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) used globally increased by 40% in 2022, compared to 2021, totalling more than 72,000 vehicles, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA).

Table: Pros and Cons of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Governmental Policies and Programs Supporting the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Industry:

• Loan Guarantee Program: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides grants or loan guarantees through the Loan Guarantee Program for the domestic production of various vehicles, including efficient hybrid vehicles, all-electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Technology Roadmap: China's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Technology Roadmap, released in 2016, sets ambitious targets to deploy over 50,000 fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and establish 300 hydrogen refueling stations by 2025, with a further goal of reaching 1 million FCVs and 1,000 stations by 2030
• Future of Freight Plan: The United Kingdom’s Future of Freight Plan, published in June 2022, outlines a strategy to decarbonise the freight industry. The plan anticipates that a shift towards rail-based freight and the adoption of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), including hydrogen-powered HGVs, will drive the sector's decarbonization.
• The phase 2 of the EU Hydrogen Strategy from 2025-2030 aims to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen that would help decarbonise steelmaking, trucks, rail, and maritime transport. 

Figure: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV)

Process for Hydrogen Fuel Cell System:

Hydrogen fuel cells can be integrated with energy storage systems, such as batteries, to optimise energy management. The overall range of a hydrogen-powered electric vehicle is determined by both the battery capacity and the size of the hydrogen tank. In this context, hydrogen fuel cells act as range extenders for the vehicle.

• Hydrogen tanks distribute hydrogen to the anode of the fuel cell systems. Electrons are then stripped from the hydrogen by a platinum catalyst. 
• This unit supplies oxygen (air) to the cathode side of the fuel cell system. This later combines with the positively charged hydrogen to produce water as a byproduct.  
• The system provides the right environment for hydrogen to mix with oxygen and create electricity and water. The electricity then flows through the electric motor.
• The battery supplies extra power and stores energy from regenerative braking.
• The electric motor powers and turns the wheel.

Key Developments in the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Adoption:

• In September 2024, First Hydrogen announced its plans to expand its European presence by partnering with several international firms specialising in renewable energy, infrastructure, and mergers to develop its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The company plans to establish an office in Germany, owing to the presence of major automakers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
• In September 2024, BMW Group revealed plans to introduce its first series-production hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028. This announcement follows extensive global testing of BMW's iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet. Additionally, it coincides with the launch of an expanded hydrogen-focused collaboration between BMW and Toyota.
• In June 2024, Honda started producing its all-new 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) at its Performance Manufacturing Center (PMC) in Ohio. The CR-V e:FCEV is the only hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) produced in the U.S. and the first in the country to feature a new, U.S.-made fuel cell system combined with plug-in EV charging capability.

Conclusion:

Hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs) generate zero harmful emissions, removing the need for managing and storing hazardous materials such as battery acid or diesel fuel. Fuel cells offer cost savings over batteries and internal combustion generators by eliminating the need for battery replacements, and charging, thereby reducing labour, time, space, and peak power demands. They outlast lead-acid batteries and can be refueled in just three minutes, significantly minimising vehicle and personnel downtime. Their robust reliability reduces the need for quarterly maintenance visits, allowing site personnel to focus on their core responsibilities.