Study on Fuel Cells Hydrogen Trucks

Fuel cell and hydrogen (FCH) technology is a very promising zero-emission powertrain solution for the heavy-duty trucking industry. The FCH 2 JU subcontracted this study to analyse the state-of-the-art of the technology, its surrounding policy and regulatory regime, ongoing trial and demonstrations projects, and its total cost of ownership and market potential. Furthermore, specific case studies and industry experts identified remaining technological and non-technological barriers for FCH technology in different trucking use cases.

The study projects a potential fuel cell trucks sales share of approx. 17% of new trucks sold in 2030 based on a strong technology cost-reduction trajectory. With scaled-up production of FCH trucks and hydrogen offered below 6 EUR/kg, FCH heavy-duty trucks (FCH HDT) provide the operational performance most comparable to diesel trucks regarding daily range, refuelling time, payload capacity and TCO. Nine case studies were developed as first tangible business opportunity blueprints for the industry. They also provide a view on current limitations of real-life operations. In conclusion, 22 barriers have been identified that, successfully tackled, will unlock the full commercial potential of FCH HDT for the trucking and logistics industry. The study proposes tailored R&I projects and policy recommendations that address such remaining barriers in the short-term.