Introduction
The race to decarbonize the global transport sector is gaining momentum. As nations grapple with the adverse effects of climate change, there is a clear consensus that sustainable mobility is critical to achieving net-zero targets. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have garnered much of the attention, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are emerging as a crucial complementary technology, especially in segments where batteries face limitations. Hydrogen offers a promising pathway for clean, efficient, and scalable mobility solutions across both personal and commercial transport sectors.
This blog explores the role of hydrogen in electric mobility, examining its application in personal and commercial transport, global trends, and technologies adopted by leading EV manufacturers.
Understanding Hydrogen as a Fuel for Electric Mobility
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and, when used as a fuel, produces only water as a byproduct. In electric mobility, hydrogen is used in fuel cells to generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction with oxygen. Unlike combustion engines, this process is clean, quiet, and efficient.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Basics:
Fuel Cell Stack: Converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, water, and heat.
Hydrogen Tank: Stores compressed hydrogen gas (typically at 350 or 700 bar).
Electric Motor: Powers the vehicle using electricity from the fuel cell.
Battery: Provides supplementary power and stores energy from regenerative braking.
Hydrogen vehicles are technically electric vehicles, but unlike BEVs, they don't rely on large batteries. Instead, they generate electricity on-the-go, enabling longer ranges and faster refueling times.
Advantages of Hydrogen Mobility
Hydrogen has several advantages over traditional and battery-powered transport:
Fast Refueling: Takes only 3–5 minutes compared to several hours for BEVs.
Long Range: FCEVs can cover 500–700 km on a single tank.
High Energy Density: Hydrogen has a high gravimetric energy density, ideal for heavy vehicles.
Scalability: Particularly suited for fleet and long-haul applications.
Cold Weather Performance: FCEVs perform well in extreme temperatures, unlike some BEVs.
Hydrogen in Personal Transport
Though BEVs dominate the personal EV segment, hydrogen FCEVs are carving out a niche, especially where driving range and fast refueling are critical.
Leading Models:
Toyota Mirai: One of the most recognized hydrogen sedans globally. It features a 650+ km range and is available in select markets like California and Japan.
Hyundai NEXO: Offers a futuristic SUV experience with a 600+ km range, primarily available in South Korea, the US, and parts of Europe.
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell: Discontinued in 2021 but was pivotal in demonstrating hydrogen’s potential for consumers.
Adoption Barriers:
Limited Refueling Infrastructure: Only a few hundred hydrogen stations globally.
High Vehicle Costs: Due to low production volumes and expensive components.
Public Awareness: Limited knowledge about hydrogen safety and benefits.
Future Trends:
Modular fuel cell systems for flexible vehicle design.
Partnerships between automakers and governments to build refueling infrastructure.
Cost reductions through scale and innovation.
Hydrogen in Commercial Transport
Hydrogen fuel cells are particularly well-suited to commercial applications where operational efficiency and payload are critical.
Use Cases:
Heavy-Duty Trucks: Require long range and short refueling downtime.
Buses: Benefit from central depot refueling and predictable routes.
Delivery Fleets: Hydrogen offers faster turnaround and extended operation hours.
Rail and Marine: Hydrogen is replacing diesel in non-electrified tracks and ferries.
Global Manufacturers and Projects:
Toyota & Hino Motors: Joint development of hydrogen fuel cell trucks.
Hyundai XCIENT: Launched in Switzerland and South Korea, expanding globally.
Nikola Motors: US-based startup focusing on hydrogen-powered Class 8 trucks.
Cummins and Daimler Truck: Collaborating on scalable fuel cell systems.
Alstom: French rail manufacturer deploying hydrogen trains in Germany.
Global Scenario of Hydrogen Mobility
Hydrogen adoption varies by region, driven by policy, investment, and infrastructure development.
Asia-Pacific:
Japan: Leading with the Hydrogen Society vision; government subsidies for vehicles and stations.
South Korea: Aims for 6.2 million FCEVs by 2040, strong OEM participation.
China: Aggressively developing hydrogen hubs, targeting commercial vehicles.
Europe:
Germany and France: Leading hydrogen strategies; funding for transport and infrastructure.
UK: Hydrogen buses and regional hydrogen production facilities.
Scandinavian Countries: Deploying hydrogen trains and ferries.
North America:
United States: California spearheading FCEV adoption; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes hydrogen funding.
Canada: Investing in green hydrogen production and transport pilots.
Middle East and Africa:
UAE & Saudi Arabia: Diversifying oil economies; investing in green hydrogen.
South Africa: Leveraging platinum reserves (critical for fuel cells).
India:
India is actively exploring hydrogen as part of its clean mobility strategy under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Key developments include:
Tata Motors: Developing hydrogen fuel cell buses and trucks, collaborating with IOCL for pilot deployments.
Ashok Leyland: Partnering with Reliance and other stakeholders to develop hydrogen ICE and fuel cell buses.
Olectra Greentech: Partnered with Reliance Industries to unveil India’s first hydrogen-powered bus in 2023.
IOCL and NTPC: Collaborating on hydrogen production and vehicle deployment in controlled environments like depots.
- Policy Push: Government plans to support 50 hydrogen refueling stations in the initial phase and provide subsidies for early adopters in public transport and logistics.India’s hydrogen strategy targets both green hydrogen production and use in heavy-duty transport, especially for intercity buses, freight corridors, and mining operations.
Hydrogen Technologies by Leading EV Manufacturers
Major automakers are investing in hydrogen across various vehicle classes.
Toyota:
Pioneer in hydrogen mobility.
Focus on scalable fuel cell modules for mobility and stationary applications.
Hyundai:
Ambitious hydrogen roadmap.
Plans to offer hydrogen across all vehicle categories by 2035.
BMW:
Testing the iX5 Hydrogen based on the BMW X5 platform.
Honda:
Co-developed fuel cells with GM; plans to re-enter hydrogen market.
Daimler Truck:
Partnered with Volvo on cellcentric, a dedicated fuel cell company.
Nikola Motors:
Focused on hydrogen trucks and developing its own refueling network.
General Motors:
HYDROTEC platform powering military, commercial, and marine vehicles.
Indian EV Manufacturers:
Tata Motors: Running hydrogen fuel cell bus pilots in collaboration with public and private entities.
Ashok Leyland: Developing both fuel cell and hydrogen ICE-based mobility solutions for urban and intercity applications.
Olectra & Reliance Industries: Launched a hydrogen bus prototype and aim for mass deployment in the coming years.
- Adani Group and Larsen & Toubro (L&T): Exploring infrastructure and vehicle projects in the hydrogen ecosystem.India is positioning itself as a hydrogen innovation hub, combining domestic technology development with international partnerships.
Infrastructure and Ecosystem Development
The hydrogen economy requires a robust ecosystem:
Production: Focus on green hydrogen from electrolysis.
Storage and Transport: Advanced compression, liquefaction, and distribution.
Refueling Stations: Expansion needed to support vehicle adoption.
Standards and Regulation: International cooperation for interoperability and safety.
Emerging Innovations:
Mobile hydrogen refueling units.
High-capacity storage tanks with carbon composite materials.
AI for optimizing hydrogen logistics and demand forecasting.
Policy and Investment Landscape
Government support is vital for hydrogen scale-up:
Subsidies: For vehicle purchase and station deployment.
Tax Incentives: Encouraging private sector investment.
Hydrogen Strategies: National roadmaps for R&D, production, and application.
Public-Private Partnerships: Shared risk and innovation funding.
Key initiatives include:
EU Hydrogen Strategy (2020)
US DOE Hydrogen Shot Initiative
Japan’s Basic Hydrogen Strategy
India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): Targeting 5 MMT of green hydrogen annually by 2030, supporting mobility applications, and creating a robust hydrogen infrastructure and supply chain.
Future Outlook
Hydrogen has the potential to become a cornerstone of the global transportation energy mix. While BEVs will dominate light-duty vehicles in the short term, hydrogen’s role will expand significantly in:
Long-haul logistics and freight.
Industrial transport sectors (mining, construction).
Remote and off-grid applications.
Integrated energy systems with hydrogen as storage.
As technology matures and infrastructure scales, hydrogen will increasingly complement batteries, leading to a diversified and resilient clean mobility ecosystem.
Conclusion
Hydrogen for electric mobility is no longer a distant vision; it is rapidly becoming a commercial reality. With ongoing investments, technological advances, and global cooperation, hydrogen-powered vehicles can deliver sustainable, reliable, and efficient transportation across personal and commercial sectors. While challenges remain, the future of hydrogen in mobility looks bright and indispensable in the journey to zero-emissions transport.
