At the opening of the Forum Hydrogen Business For Climate, the Cluster Pôle Véhicule du Futur (organiser of the event) presented a barometer of hydrogen mobility. This document cross-references a number of sources and provides a global outlook. It revealed that the global fleet of hydrogen vehicles on the road should exceed 100,000 units by the end of the year.
Created by Bertrand Boivert, who is in charge of the hydrogen sector in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, within the Cluster Pôle Véhicule du Futur, this barometer was not so easy to put together. You have to realise that some countries don’t always make the distinction between electricity and hydrogen, and it is even harder to find reliable figures for China. The aim of this barometer was to have a global look of the hydrogen land mobility, addressing the sectors for which there is a ‘series’ offer. In other words: cars, vans, buses, trucks and forklifts.
The barometer states that 8,829 passenger cars were registered in 2023, a figure down 41%. Cumulative sales over the period 2012-2023 give a total of 66,834 vehicles, 52% of which are in South Korea, ahead of the United States (27%) and Japan (12%). As for Europe, it accounts for a feeble 8%. Another emerging segment is that of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles (LCVs). According to the barometer, 2,388 vehicles were sold worldwide in 2023 (+ 185%). China monopolises 93% of this market.
Monopolies in China and the USA
The situation is even more glaring for trucks. While the first units are circulating in Europe and France, China gathers 99% of the fleet (9,580 units). In total, 3,719 hydrogen-powered trucks were sold in 2023.
Regarding buses, volumes are more lower. A total of 2,065 units were sold in 2023 (856 of which in Europe). And the fleet is estimated at 7,548 buses, with an impressive 82% market share in China.
One of the biggest markets is in fact logistics vehicles. In 2023, 8,592 vehicles of this type were sold, and the global fleet is estimated at 67,000 units. For this specific market, the United States claims the lion’s share.
What about France?
France has become Europe’s leading market for hydrogen-powered cars, with 306 vehicles registered last year. It ranks ahead of Germany (263) and the Netherlands (106). It is also worth noting that more than 1,000 hydrogen-powered taxis are on the road in Paris, thanks to Hype and Hysetco. Hydrogen taxis account for 5% of taxis in the capital. France can also boast 58 H2 buses in circulation (a further 83 will be delivered between now and 2026).
One of the segment to follow closely are trains. Worldwide, 28 trains had been delivered by 1 October. And 112 had been ordered (+ 43 options).
Finally, the mobility barometer lists 921 hydrogen refuelling stations worldwide. There were 148 more last year.
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Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Logan King
