Hydrogen-powered mobility in Germany and Europe is technically feasible – as demonstrated by numerous pilot projects. What is clear: fuel cell technology does not pay off for passenger cars, but it does have opportunities in niche applications for heavy-duty transport. Yet, for years, little has progressed in this capital-intensive field. There is a lack of confidence that green hydrogen will become affordable. The prevailing view is that battery-electric trucks are more efficient – and there is also a lack of broad, committed engagement.
Elsewhere, however, the hydrogen ecosystem for trucks is already developing—led by China. And what works on the roads in China is, as is well known, currently arriving in Europe with a slight time lag. Against this backdrop, leading figures in Europe’s domestic industry have forged an alliance behind the scenes, whose goals are to be presented in detail on 15 September at the IAA Transportation in Hanover. Even the announcement of this date is newsworthy, as Daimler Truck – one of the main players in the new alliance – is already outlining the rough dimensions of this plan. So far, everything points to a concerted approach with considerable ambition.
