Venson Automotive Solutions is urging fleet managers to keep a watchful eye on hydrogen in line with the shift to cleaner road transport.

The paper suggests hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) could be a game-changer in the future

In its latest free white paper on ‘The Big Hydrogen Question’, the fleet management provider explores what role carbon-neutral, green hydrogen will play in the net zero transition – and suggests fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) could be a game-changer.

Simon Staton, client management director at Venson, said: “While hydrogen cars are not ready for widespread fleet use, our research indicates that, for UK fleet operators, the simultaneous ramping up of investment in both hydrogen vehicle technologies and our refuelling network, will soon make FCEVs a more appealing option.

“Mixed fleets, including those with heavier vehicles, should certainly keep watch on this. Additionally, e-fuels will look set to gain a foothold through admixing.”

Venson first explored hydrogen as an alternative fuel option for fleet managers four years ago and identified that high costs, limited nationwide infrastructure and reliance on fossil fuels in production were key barriers to widespread adoption in the UK.

The new research illustrates the increasing commitment by manufacturers to the development of hydrogen and e-fuel vehicles, along with significant investment in upskilling by industry bodies to fully train technicians on their servicing and maintenance requirements.

These developments, along with the 2022 launch of the Hydrogen UK trade association – focused on developing and deploying – hydrogen solutions in the UK, underscore the need for fleets to stay vigilant as hydrogen advances.

Staton concluded: “In transitioning from ICE vehicles, there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution as each user case is different. Industry experts predict that hydrogen prices and components will decrease rapidly by 2030, driven by economies of scale.

“Going forward, it’s not an either/or decision regarding FCEVs or BEVs, rather which technology is the best for the job a vehicle has to do.

“While BEVs dominate the passenger car market, in the HGV market, where diesel still holds pole position, hydrogen fuel cell is rapidly advancing, and could soon be challenging for the lead.”

Venson’s white paper on hydrogen is online here.