The hydrogen vehicle landscape in the UK is facing significant hurdles, primarily due to a lack of infrastructure. With only three hydrogen filling stations currently operational and just a few more planned, the rollout of hydrogen cars is stalling. This situation has prompted major players like BMW to reconsider their strategies for launching fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the UK market.
Why Is Infrastructure So Crucial for Hydrogen Cars?
Imagine wanting to drive a new type of car, but there are hardly any places to refuel it. That’s the reality for hydrogen vehicles in the UK today. Jürgen Guldner, who heads BMW’s hydrogen vehicle project, recently expressed concerns about launching their upcoming FCEV in a market where the necessary infrastructure is virtually nonexistent. Without a robust network of hydrogen stations, potential buyers are understandably hesitant.
This lack of infrastructure isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a major barrier to entry. BMW plans to introduce its first FCEV in 2028, but without a solid refueling network, it may not make sense to launch it in the UK. Currently, the only mainstream hydrogen vehicle available is the Toyota Mirai, priced at £64,690.
The Vision vs. Reality of Hydrogen Vehicles
Back in 2013, UK H2 Mobility predicted that by 2030, there would be 1.6 million hydrogen vehicles on British roads. Fast forward to today, and that vision seems increasingly distant. The rise of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has dominated the zero-emissions conversation, with over 32,000 battery-electric cars sold in the UK in just one month this year. In stark contrast, no FCEVs have been sold in the UK so far this year.
Proponents of hydrogen technology, including BMW and Toyota, argue that FCEVs are essential for achieving a broader transition to zero-emissions transportation. Guldner points out that FCEVs could particularly benefit those who drive longer distances or live in urban areas where charging infrastructure is limited. However, the current landscape shows that hydrogen isn’t just competing against electric vehicles; it’s also up against traditional fossil-fuel combustion engines, which remain cheaper and more accessible.
What’s Holding Hydrogen Back?
The challenges facing hydrogen vehicles are multifaceted. One significant issue is the high cost of FCEV technology. Guldner believes that if demand were to increase, the costs could decrease, making hydrogen vehicles more appealing. However, car manufacturers alone cannot drive the necessary infrastructure development.
Investors are understandably wary after witnessing the struggles of electric vehicle charging companies that overestimated demand. Christopher Jackson, CEO of Protium, a green hydrogen provider, highlighted the difficulties in attracting investment for hydrogen infrastructure, especially when the narrative sounds similar to that of EV chargers.
The Role of Government and Future Prospects
Without a governmental push—like mandated hydrogen infrastructure or higher taxes on fossil fuels—the market for FCEVs is likely to remain stagnant until at least 2035, when the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles is set to be banned. Influential bodies like the Climate Change Committee have expressed skepticism about hydrogen’s role in surface transport, further complicating the situation.
Industry suppliers are also adjusting their expectations. Forvia, a major player in the fuel-cell market, has reduced its investment plans, while Johnson Matthey has scaled back its fuel-cell investments significantly. Even Renault’s hydrogen van joint venture, Hyvia, has gone into liquidation, citing slow progress in developing hydrogen mobility ecosystems in Europe.
Despite these challenges, some industry insiders remain optimistic. They argue that the inability of electric vehicles alone to meet the UK’s decarbonization targets by 2050 could create a renewed interest in hydrogen technology. Protium’s Jackson believes that once the market shows signs of promise, investment will follow.
The big takeaway? The future of hydrogen vehicles isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. The industry needs a catalyst, ideally from the government, to kickstart the necessary infrastructure and guarantee a market. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.