Hydrogen fuel cells - FINALLY?

As the debate continues about HFCEV commercial potential, a snapshot of some global markets reveals continuing hope for fulfilment of long-awaited promise, particularly in trucks and buses.

More than 20 years have passed since hydrogen-fuel-cell electric vehicles (HFCEVs) looked to be the future zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) solution. About that time, this editor spoke with Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, then boss of the Volkswagen Group, about the commercial potential of fuel-cell cars in general and a possible future timeline. Piëch thought it unrealistic to see fleets established in the near term (around 2003) and suggested it might be 2011 before they would be sold or leased in any significant volume. It sounded cautious at the time but has proven to be extremely optimistic.

Today, signs of an HFCEV commercial victory remain low across the world. Despite its convincing technology, hobbled by cost and lack of infrastructure, the fuel cell's battle with the battery does not look winnable in the near future. Its savior, though, could be application in trucks and buses, eventually leading to increased use in passenger vehicles. A snapshot of some HFCEV projects, tests and trials from around the world demonstrates that hydrogen technology is indeed making progress.