Persistence on Fuel Cell EVs Surfaces In Japan, Germany, US

The article discusses the ongoing commitment to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in Japan, Germany, and the United States, despite the growing dominance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market. BMW and Hyundai remain invested in fuel cell technology, viewing it as a viable segment for future profitability. BMW recently secured significant funding from the German government and the state of Bavaria—€191 million and €82 million respectively—to advance its HyPowerDrive hydrogen fuel cell program, which aims to develop fuel cell systems compatible with its battery EVs, targeting series production by 2028. Meanwhile, Hyundai continues to market its NEXO fuel cell EV in Japan. In the U.S., California maintains strong support for fuel cell EVs as part of its freight decarbonization strategy, despite the bankruptcy of Nikola, a heavy-duty fuel cell truck startup. The Texas-based company Hyroad Energy has acquired Nikola’s fleet of hydrogen fuel cell trucks and