Fact Check: "Hydrogen trucks are now considered obsolete in the heavy goods sector."
What We Know
The claim that "hydrogen trucks are now considered obsolete in the heavy goods sector" is misleading. Current research indicates that hydrogen fuel cell technology is still being actively developed and is considered a viable option for heavy-duty transport. According to a study published in Nature Energy, costs for hydrogen fuel cells are expected to decline significantly, although they may not reach competitive levels with battery electric trucks until the early 2040s (source-1). This suggests that while battery electric trucks may currently have an advantage, hydrogen trucks are not obsolete and still have a future role in the sector.
Moreover, the North America Hydrogen Trucks Industry Report projects substantial growth in the hydrogen trucks market, estimating it will reach USD 5.8 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.6% (source-3). This indicates ongoing investment and interest in hydrogen technology for heavy goods transport.
Analysis
The assertion that hydrogen trucks are obsolete overlooks the ongoing developments and investments in hydrogen technology. While it is true that battery electric trucks (BETs) are currently more cost-effective and have seen faster market adoption, hydrogen fuel cell trucks (FCETs) are still considered a critical part of the future of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). The Nature Energy article highlights that despite the slower cost reductions for fuel cells compared to batteries, there is a significant potential for cost decline in the coming years, supporting the viability of hydrogen trucks in the long term (source-1).
Additionally, the European Union has set ambitious targets for hydrogen use, aiming to produce and import substantial quantities of renewable hydrogen by 2030 and to cover around 10% of its energy needs with hydrogen by 2050 (source-2). This strategic focus on hydrogen indicates that it is far from being considered obsolete, as it remains a key component in the EU's energy transition plans.
Critically, the claim also fails to consider the diverse applications and operational requirements of heavy-duty vehicles. Hydrogen trucks may be particularly suited for specific use cases, such as long-haul transport, where battery electric solutions may face limitations due to range and charging infrastructure (source-1).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that hydrogen trucks are now considered obsolete in the heavy goods sector is false. While battery electric trucks currently dominate the market due to lower costs and faster deployment, hydrogen fuel cell technology is still under active development and investment. Projections indicate significant growth in the hydrogen trucks market, and strategic initiatives by the EU further underscore the ongoing relevance of hydrogen in the transport sector. Therefore, hydrogen trucks are not obsolete but rather part of a broader, evolving landscape of zero-emission heavy-duty transport solutions.
Sources
- Rapidly declining costs of truck batteries and fuel cells ...
- Hydrogen - Energy
- North America Hydrogen Trucks Industry Report 2025
- European Hydrogen Bank - European Commission - Energy
- Trends in heavy-duty electric vehicles – Global EV Outlook ...
- Mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen
- Hydrogen Has Failed In Cars. It Won’t Be Powering Trucks Either - Forbes
- Renewable hydrogen - European Commission
