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1.5m hydrogen cars by 2030
Date: 19 March 2013
More than one and a half million hydrogen-powered vehicles could be on UK roads by 2030 according to a Government study.
Produced by the UKH2Mobility Project, which brings together businesses from the automotive, energy, infrastructure and retails sectors, the report was commissioned to evaluate the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell cars and ensure the UK is well-positioned for their commercial roll-out.
The findings showed that up to 10% of new car customers would be receptive to hydrogen vehicles when first introduced, and early adopter interest would need to be fostered and converted into sales to build confidence and support for the cars.
According to the deputy mayor of London, Kit Malthouse, take-up of will be led by local authorities and bigger fleets "with tough emission targets", as he told BusinessCar last October.
The report also voiced the need for a network of hydrogen refuelling stations, starting with 65 sites on motorways and cities and growing to 1150 by 2030 as the number of vehicles increased.
Business minister Michael Fallon said: "The transition to ultra low-emission vehicles has already begun. It has the potential to create really significant new economic opportunities for the UK, to diversify national energy supply and to decarbonise road transport. The findings demonstrate that hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles can make a significant contribution to this.
"Successful commercialisation of the technology will require Government to work in true partnership with industry. Our international rivals are looking to steal a march in this area and so UKH2Mobility recognises the importance of prompt action to ensure the potential benefits are realised by businesses and consumers in the UK."
