Hydrogen on the Road: The New Fuel Driving the Future of Transportation

While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continue to gain traction on roads around the world, hydrogen is emerging as a promising alternative for the future of transportation. Its potential is especially evident in sectors where BEVs face limitations, such as long-haul freight and heavy-duty transport.

Asia: A National Commitment to Hydrogen

In Asia, the push for hydrogen goes beyond technology. Japan has placed this energy source at the heart of its long-term development strategy, actively promoting the creation of a “Hydrogen Society.” This philosophy has influenced multiple sectors, from industry to public transport.

South Korea is also making significant strides. Hyundai, for instance, already has hydrogen-powered trucks like the XCIENT on the road and plans to expand into the European market. The South Korean government is also promoting the integration of hydrogen in urban transportation systems—a trend that may soon be mirrored elsewhere.

Europe: Climate Strategy and Infrastructure

Europe’s approach to hydrogen is closely tied to its climate goals. The region sees this technology as a crucial tool for decarbonizing sectors where electric vehicles still fall short, such as long-distance road freight.

Manufacturers like Daimler Truck and Volvo are developing hydrogen-powered trucks, while dedicated hydrogen corridors are being built across borders, allowing these vehicles to travel internationally without logistical setbacks.

When it comes to passenger vehicles, enthusiasm is more reserved. Although brands like BMW and Renault are experimenting with hydrogen models, the dominance of BEVs in the market has pushed hydrogen cars into the background. Even so, they may still have a role to play in specific scenarios—such as long-distance travel, where long charging times are a concern.

North America: Cautious but Steady Progress

Across the Atlantic, progress has been more moderate. The United States and Canada have focused their hydrogen efforts on heavy-duty trucks and specific vehicle niches, without showing the same level of enthusiasm as Asia or Europe.

However, California stands out as a leader in hydrogen adoption. Since 2015, the state has spearheaded infrastructure development, with more than 60 hydrogen refueling stations in operation and plans to expand to over 200 in the coming years. These stations are primarily located in urban areas such as Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, supporting both individual users and commercial fleets.

Roadblocks Ahead: The Cost of Green Hydrogen

Despite growing global interest, hydrogen’s expansion faces a key challenge: the high cost of producing “green hydrogen”—the only truly sustainable form, generated from renewable energy sources. This financial hurdle is currently limiting widespread adoption.

A Shared Future

Hydrogen is not aiming to replace electric vehicles, but rather to complement the broader transition toward cleaner mobility. Its development, while uneven across regions, points to a clear trend: the future of sustainable transport will likely involve a mix of technologies, each adapted to different needs and use cases.