Global vehicle manufacturers meet to cement hydrogen-fuelled transport by 2040

Seven global vehicle manufacturers have met ‘for the first time’ at the Hydrogen for Clean Transport Conference today (Friday, September 22) to discuss plans for 2040.

The conference confirms their commitment to expanding the deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure across Europe.

Seven global vehicle manufacturers – Audi, BMW, Daimler, Honda, Hyundai, Symbio, and Toyota – have come together in Brussels to confirm their engagement towards continued FCEV deployment in Europe. 

The conference, sponsored by the Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) and flagship hydrogen projects HyFIVE and H2ME, is a first for Europe’s transport industry.

The transport industry reportedly had a unanimous message on an emission-free 2040:

“Hydrogen fuel cells plus electric-vehicle technology offer a viable path to zero emission transport and, as part of the wider energy system, support grid operations and integration of renewable energies.

“While hydrogen fuel cell technology is not yet available across a large range of vehicle offerings, the technology addresses some of battery electric vehicles’ main limitations. 

“These include drain on the energy grid, limited range, long charging time, and issues with recycling of batteries.”

European Commission's FCH JU’s executive director Bart Biebuyck said: “This marks an important step for clean mobility in Europe.

"The presence of seven important manufacturers translates to a strong commitment from industry, which is a crucial element to push forward with the deployment of hydrogen vehicles.

“The FCH JU is proud to see how its projects, HyFIVE and then H2ME, have been allowed to build continuously on previous achievements and are bringing technological progress to become key solutions for addressing zero emission transport goals.

"In this way, we contribute to tackling major global challenges”.

Hydrogen Europe’s secretary general Jorgo Chatzimarkakis said: “The Hydrogen for Clean Transport conference is timely, with the release of crucial sets of legislation for the mobility sector this autumn.

“With this conference, our industry members showcase the readiness level of fuel cell electric vehicles as a complementary solution to battery electric vehicles, the only two zero emission drivetrains that enable transport decarbonisation.”