The global market for hydrogen commercial trucks is growing. And — no, that’s not quite right. The market is SURGING, growing by $46.11 billion in 2023 alone, with projections showing a staggering CAGR of 30.6% during the forecast period expected to push the market to $675 billion by 2033
According to the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), hydrogen has the potential to quickly and cost-effectively decarbonize difficult-to-abate sectors, making it an essential component of the clean energy transition. This includes its application in certain types of trucking and shipping.
Companies such as First Hydrogen Corp. are aiming to take advantage of the growing demand for hydrogen-powered trucks, particularly for long-distance transportation of heavy and medium-duty goods.
First Hydrogen successfully obtained road-legal status for their modified MAN TGE van in the UK in October 2022. This hydrogen-powered vehicle has similar payload ratings to traditional internal-combustion vans and can travel over 500 kilometers on a single charge.
On the other hand, the electric version of the vehicle had a range of approximately 215-220 miles and could carry a lower payload due to the weight of its battery packs reducing its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
An improved version of the company’s van successfully traveled 630 km on one tank of hydrogen during a test with SSE Plc. This impressive feat caught the attention of several UK companies, resulting in 16 major fleet operators from various industries signing up to try First Hydrogen’s vans.
The company believes that its hydrogen fuel cell vans will be suitable for introducing zero-tailpipe-emissions vehicles in the UK, and predicts that many businesses will purchase them after the trial ends.
First Hydrogen will start selling their “First Gen” medium-duty vehicle in the UK and EU in early 2026, followed by the launch of a “Next Gen Large Series” vehicle in 2028 with a range of over 1,000 km. The company is also considering other markets beyond Europe.
Reference- The Verge, Inside EVs, Fuel Cell Works, Clean Technica