Fact Check: "Hydrogen fuel cells are becoming obsolete in trucking."
What We Know
Hydrogen fuel cells have been a topic of discussion in the context of sustainable transportation, particularly in the trucking industry. As of 2022, hydrogen accounted for less than 2% of Europe’s energy consumption, primarily used in chemical production rather than transportation (Hydrogen - Energy). The European Union has set ambitious targets for renewable hydrogen, aiming to produce and import 10 million tonnes by 2030 and cover about 10% of its energy needs with renewable hydrogen by 2050 (Hydrogen - Energy).
Despite these goals, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) face significant challenges. A report from 2025 indicates that FCVs are experiencing stagnation in their fueling infrastructure and declining vehicle populations, which raises concerns about their viability in the market (2025 Cost Showdown for Drivers). Furthermore, the cost of hydrogen fuel has been a major hurdle; in California, hydrogen prices have soared to over $32 per kilogram, making it significantly more expensive than gasoline on a per-mile basis (2025 Cost Showdown for Drivers).
Analysis
The claim that hydrogen fuel cells are becoming obsolete in trucking is supported by several factors. First, the high cost of hydrogen fuel compared to gasoline makes FCVs less attractive to consumers. As noted, hydrogen fuel costs are currently four and a half times higher per mile than gasoline hybrids, which poses a significant barrier to widespread adoption (2025 Cost Showdown for Drivers).
Moreover, the infrastructure for hydrogen refueling is not developing at a pace that would support a robust market for hydrogen trucks. The stagnation in the hydrogen fueling station network has led to customer dissatisfaction regarding refueling convenience, further complicating the adoption of FCVs in the trucking sector (2025 Cost Showdown for Drivers).
However, it is important to note that there are ongoing efforts and investments in hydrogen technology. The EU's hydrogen policy framework aims to create a dedicated infrastructure for hydrogen and support its market development (Hydrogen - Energy). Additionally, research breakthroughs, such as those from UCLA that extend the lifespan of fuel cells, indicate that there is still potential for hydrogen technology in the long term (UCLA Breakthrough).
While the current trends suggest a decline in the immediate viability of hydrogen fuel cells in trucking, the long-term outlook remains uncertain as advancements in technology and infrastructure may change the landscape.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim "Hydrogen fuel cells are becoming obsolete in trucking" is Partially True. While there are significant challenges facing hydrogen fuel cells, including high fuel costs and inadequate infrastructure, there are also ongoing efforts to develop and promote hydrogen technology. The future of hydrogen in trucking may not be as bleak as the current situation suggests, but it is clear that substantial hurdles must be overcome for it to become a mainstream solution.
