Summary:
While most automakers focus on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to reach zero emissions, some—especially in Asia—are exploring hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as an alternative. Vehicles like Honda’s CR-V e:FCEV use hydrogen fuel cells either in place of or alongside a smaller battery, offering fast refueling times and lighter weight compared to BEVs. However, the biggest obstacle for FCEVs is the severe lack of hydrogen fueling infrastructure.
This issue was highlighted at a UK conference organized by BMW, where the brand’s hydrogen chief, Jürgen Guldner, explained that the absence of refueling stations hinders market expansion. In the UK, only 15 hydrogen stations exist, with just six accessible to the public. The U.S. fares slightly better with 60 stations—almost all in California—with only Hawaii hosting one additional station. The limited network makes FCEVs impractical for mass adoption in most regions.
The EU, however, is tackling this challenge with a 2030 target to install hydrogen stations in all towns with over 100,000 people and at 200 km intervals on major highways. This would make FCEVs more viable, especially for those without home charging access or who travel long distances. Guldner noted that FCEVs outperform BEVs in cold weather. In towing, and long-haul applications—reasons why truck manufacturers are investing in the technology.
Hydrogen could also be used in internal combustion engines with some modifications, producing water instead of CO₂ emissions. However, concerns remain around the inefficiency and environmental cost of hydrogen production, especially when derived from natural gas. Despite these issues, automakers like Hyundai, Toyota, and BMW continue to develop FCEVs, with BMW planning to launch an X5 FCEV in 2028, in partnership with Toyota.
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