Business drivers are becoming increasingly open to hydrogen cars, a new study has indicated.

Hydrogen vehicles could grow rapidly in popularity if the infrastructure can be suitably extended

More than a third (37%) of fleet drivers surveyed by Venson Automotive Solutions confirmed they would consider both hydrogen and electric vehicle options when choosing their next company car, if the charging or refuelling infrastructure was in place.

The research also found that just under a third (30%) would only consider electric and 22% would only consider hydrogen.

Fleet driver interest in other alternative fuel options beyond electric is also growing, according to the study. Half (50%) confirmed they would consider biodiesel, while biogas compressed natural gas (37%), compressed air (30%), ethanol (29%), or LPG (23%) would also be considered as options. However, almost one in four motorists remain wedded to petrol or diesel vehicles.

Simon Staton, client management director at Venson Automotive Solutions, said the research showed hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have the potential to grow rapidly in popularity in the next few years, if the refuelling infrastructure can be suitably extended.

Venson’s research also found almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents believe manufacturers should be investing the same amount of time and money in bringing hydrogen cars to UK roads, as they are with electric cars.

“Clearly fleet drivers are keen to do their bit to reduce their environmental impact, and hydrogen could be a more convenient refuelling option than electric for many people in future,” Staton explained. “Certainly, fleet managers looking to cut fleet emissions should not exclude hydrogen from their long-term plans in favour of hybrid and electric vehicles readily available today. It is early days for hydrogen fleets, but increasing investment in the relevant technology and refuelling networks will increase the appeal of FCEVs.”

Venson’s recent white paper on ‘The Big Hydrogen Question’ explored the role hydrogen power will play in transitioning to greener mobility, as well as the current challenges stalling more rapid progress.

Simon Staton concluded: “Hydrogen could be a game-changer in the near future. Although electric is increasingly being adopted across fleets of cars and to some extent vans, electric is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is certainly not the best option for large vehicles.

“Hydrogen fuel cell technology could be a realistic green alternative for many fleets of HGVs and other large commercial vehicles if the right investment is made in the all-important refuelling infrastructure.”