A coalition of six hydrogen refuelling station operators across Europe has formally launched the Hydrogen Infrastructure Alliance (H2IA), urging OEMs to accelerate the rollout of hydrogen-powered trucks and vans. The alliance includes Hydri, Teal Mobility, Fountain Fuel, H2 Mobility, Virya Energy, and HYmpulsion, collectively operating 92 stations across Sweden, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

According to the alliance, infrastructure development must take the lead to give manufacturers the confidence to scale up production of hydrogen vehicles. However, H2IA stressed that the relationship must be mutual. Its statement noted that “larger volumes of vehicles and a variety of models available, in turn, lead to a quicker growth of the refuelling network – and to a lower cost for end-users, both for vehicles and hydrogen fuel.”

The group plans to expand significantly by 2028, with 39 additional large-scale hydrogen refuelling stations — sufficient capacity to fuel 1,800 trucks per day. It added that conversations with major OEMs are already under way to accelerate market deployment and ensure adequate vehicle availability.

OEM activity grows amid rising concerns over grid congestion

Several manufacturers have begun making moves. BMW plans to introduce a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) model in 2028 in collaboration with Toyota, while Scania has started customer testing of hydrogen fuel cell trucks as part of its Pilot Partner programme. These early steps signal a growing recognition of hydrogen’s role in heavy-duty mobility, particularly where electric charging infrastructure faces obstacles.

Stephan Bredewold, Managing Director at Fountain Fuel, said the Netherlands is already experiencing strong interest in hydrogen mobility, even as major hydrogen investment decisions face delays. He highlighted grid congestion as a significant barrier for logistics operators. “Many logistics companies are already reaching the limits of e-charging due to the aforementioned grid congestion,” he said, adding that it is unlikely the issue can be resolved soon. As a result, hydrogen refuelling presents a pract...

Stephan Windels, Managing Director of Hydrogen Belgium, noted that Virya Energy’s next generation of hydrogen refuelling stations will be operational before 2028. He said large fleet operators could benefit substantially from a convenient “fill and ride” model in parallel with battery-electric options.

Source:

https://www.h2-view.com/story/h2ia-calls-on-oems-to-accelerate-hydrogen-vehicle-deployment/2134976.article/