Articles tagged with "hydrogen-fuel-cells"
General Motors Quietly Ends Its Hydrogen For Transportation Experiment - CleanTechnica
General Motors (GM) has officially ended its development of the next-generation Hydrotec hydrogen fuel cells for transportation, concluding a decades-long experiment with hydrogen propulsion. Despite early efforts dating back to the 1966 Electrovan and multiple revivals tied to policy shifts and oil prices, GM acknowledged that hydrogen fuel cells are not a viable solution for road vehicles due to persistent technical, economic, and infrastructure challenges. The company highlighted the inefficiency of hydrogen energy conversion—where less than a third of the original electricity is retained after electrolysis, compression, transport, and reconversion—compared to battery electric systems that deliver about 75% of grid energy to wheels. GM’s Hydrotec initiative, which included partnerships with Honda, Wabtec, and Nikola Motors, ultimately faltered as these collaborations dissolved or failed, with Nikola’s bankruptcy notably ending a key hydrogen trucking project. The company cited high costs, sparse hydrogen refueling infrastructure (around 60 stations in the U.S.), and weak consumer
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsGeneral-Motorsclean-energytransportation-technologyelectric-vehiclesalternative-fuelsNeutral Techno-Economics Beats Hydrogen Narratives - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the practical challenges and economic realities that undermine the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in public transportation, using the example of Bayreuth, a Bavarian city. Initially, Bayreuth planned to decarbonize its bus fleet with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles supported by renewable energy and significant government funding. However, after conducting a neutral techno-economic assessment, the city reversed its decision and opted for battery-electric buses instead. This shift highlights a broader trend: when full system costs—including electricity inputs, conversion losses, infrastructure, maintenance, and operation—are objectively analyzed, hydrogen consistently proves less cost-effective than direct electrification. The article further explains the inherent inefficiencies of hydrogen production and use, noting that it takes roughly three units of renewable electricity to generate one unit of motion at the wheels due to energy losses in electrolysis, compression, storage, and reconversion. Additionally, hydrogen systems are expensive to maintain and have higher fuel costs compared to diesel when all factors are considered. Beyond economics
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsclean-energybattery-electric-busesrenewable-energydecarbonizationtechno-economic-analysisSwiss firm marries batteries, hydrogen to power Europe's energy grids
Swiss startup Plan-B Net Zero, founded in 2023, is promoting an integrated energy solution that combines battery energy storage systems (BESS) with green hydrogen technologies to stabilize and enhance the resilience of European power grids, particularly in the interconnected Germany-Austria-Switzerland (DACH) region. The approach leverages batteries for rapid, millisecond-level response to short-term grid fluctuations, while hydrogen—produced from renewable sources—serves as a long-duration, seasonal energy storage medium. Hydrogen is stored for months and later converted back to electricity via fuel cells or turbines, providing sustained backup power. This dual system is supported by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that optimize energy generation, storage, and demand in real time, improving operational efficiency and economic viability. Plan-B is developing regional energy hubs that integrate photovoltaic generation, battery storage, and electrolyzers to convert surplus renewable electricity into hydrogen for local storage and use. The company currently has a project pipeline of approximately 1.3 GWh
energybattery-energy-storage-systemshydrogen-fuel-cellsrenewable-energysmart-gridsenergy-storageartificial-intelligence-in-energyAirbus backs 3D-printed heat exchanger to cool hydrogen-electric jets
Airbus is advancing its hydrogen-electric aviation efforts through collaboration with Conflux Technology, which is developing a next-generation 3D-printed heat exchanger critical for thermal management in megawatt-class hydrogen fuel cell systems. This lightweight, high-performance component, created using additive manufacturing and validated with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling, is designed to regulate the substantial heat generated by hydrogen fuel cells, ensuring safe and efficient operation of Airbus’ ZEROe hydrogen-electric propulsion systems. The ZEROe program aims to produce the first zero-emission commercial aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel cells, targeting entry into service by 2035, with water vapor as the only emission. Despite technological progress, including successful testing of a 1.2-megawatt fuel cell engine and advancements in liquid hydrogen storage, the ZEROe program has faced delays, pushing the timeline back by 5 to 10 years and reducing its budget by 25%. These setbacks stem from the complexity of developing the propulsion technology and establishing a global
energyhydrogen-fuel-cells3D-printingaerospacethermal-managementadditive-manufacturingsustainable-aviationCommon mineral ‘green rust’ could make hydrogen cars, ships a reality
Researchers at Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) have developed a cost-effective, high-performance catalyst for hydrogen storage by modifying a common mineral called green rust, an iron hydroxide. This catalyst enables the release of hydrogen from sodium borohydride (NaBH4) through hydrolysis at room temperature without relying on expensive precious metals like platinum, addressing a major challenge in hydrogen fuel technology. The modification involves treating green rust particles with copper chloride, creating nanoscale copper oxide clusters that serve as highly active sites for hydrogen production. The catalyst also harnesses solar energy, with the green rust structure absorbing sunlight and transferring energy via copper clusters to enhance the hydrolysis reaction’s efficiency and hydrogen generation rate. Performance tests showed that this catalyst achieves hydrogen production rates comparable to or exceeding those of traditional precious metal catalysts, while maintaining durability over repeated use. Its room-temperature operation, simple production, and compatibility with existing hydrogen systems position it as a promising solution to advance clean hydrogen energy, particularly when combined with
energyhydrogen-storagegreen-rustcatalysthydrogen-fuel-cellsclean-energymaterials-scienceLizard-inspired flow field plates improve hydrogen fuel cell power density
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a lizard-scale-inspired design for flow field plates in proton exchange membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells, significantly improving water management and power density. Traditional fuel cells suffer from water flooding in the gas diffusion layers (GDLs), which blocks oxygen delivery to reaction sites and reduces performance. By mimicking natural structures such as desert lizard scales and leaf veins—both of which channel water directionally with minimal energy—the team carved auxiliary drainage channels into the flow field plates. This biomimetic approach enables more efficient water removal while maintaining oxygen flow, addressing a critical bottleneck in fuel cell operation. The study, published in Applied Energy and led by Eric Chadwick, demonstrated a 29.1% increase in peak power density, achieving 639 milliwatts/cm² compared to 495 milliwatts/cm² in conventional designs. The innovation departs from the traditional corrugated land-channel structure, where water accumulates under solid lands and obstructs oxygen
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsbiomimetic-designflow-field-plateswater-managementproton-exchange-membraneclean-energy-technologyClay-based hydrogen tech could power cars in extreme heat and cold
Researchers at Kumamoto University in Japan have developed a novel solid electrolyte membrane for hydrogen fuel cells using abundant natural montmorillonite clay minerals. This flexible membrane, fabricated from monolayer silicate nanosheets, exhibits dual functionality: it offers high proton conductivity across a wide temperature range (from -10°C to 140°C) and acts as a superior hydrogen gas barrier, blocking hydrogen over 100 times more effectively than the current industry standard, Nafion. These properties enable safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting fuel cells that operate well in extreme heat and cold, overcoming the limitations of traditional fuel cells that require high operating temperatures above 500°C. The new clay-based electrolyte achieves proton conductivities comparable to or exceeding polymer-based electrolytes, with values such as 2.3×10⁻³ S/cm at 10°C and 8.7×10⁻³ S/cm at 140°C under full humidity. In practical testing, fuel cells using this membrane demonstrated strong performance
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellssolid-electrolyteclay-materialssustainable-energyproton-conductivityfuel-cell-technologyEstonian President Karis Highlights Estonia’s Role as Climate Innovation Testbed at NYC Climate Week - CleanTechnica
At New York Climate Week 2025, Estonian President Alar Karis emphasized Estonia’s role as a dynamic testbed for climate innovation, highlighting the country’s fast-growing climate technology sector and its strategic cooperation with the United States. Estonia leverages its digital agility and history of rapid innovation—previously demonstrated in nationwide digital services—to accelerate the development and scaling of climate solutions, particularly in the energy-intensive building sector. Estonian companies showcased technologies such as AI-driven building management, solar-integrated roofing, advanced construction materials, hydrogen fuel cells, and smart energy hubs, all aimed at improving energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. The delegation included key players like R8 Technologies, Roofit.Solar, Primostar, PowerUP Energy Technologies, and Parkinglot Category, supported by organizations such as the Beamline Accelerator, Estonian Cleantech Association, and Enterprise Estonia. President Karis framed Estonia’s climate innovation as a model for global scaling, reinforcing the potential for stronger energy security, job creation
energyclean-energyclimate-technologyAI-building-managementsolar-roofssustainable-materialshydrogen-fuel-cellsHydrogen Freight Fizzles As Batteries Take Over Global Trucking - CleanTechnica
The BloombergNEF 2025 Factbook on zero emission commercial vehicles reveals a decisive market shift favoring battery-electric trucks over hydrogen fuel cell trucks in global freight transportation. In the first half of 2025, nearly 90,000 zero emission trucks were sold worldwide, with 97% being battery-electric, while fuel cell truck sales halved to about 1,000 units. China leads this trend, having sold close to 80,000 electric trucks in six months—more than double 2023’s total—driven by strong battery supply chains, incentives, and cost reductions. Conversely, China’s hydrogen truck market is shrinking despite subsidies, indicating hydrogen’s failure to compete. Europe shows a similar pattern, with electric truck sales growing over 50% year-on-year, supported by infrastructure investments and zero emission zones, while hydrogen truck programs face delays and reduced ambitions. The EU’s binding infrastructure targets further cement battery dominance. In contrast, the U.S. market lags significantly,
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsbattery-electric-truckszero-emission-vehiclesfreight-truckingclean-transportationelectric-vehicle-infrastructureThe Global Green Hydrogen Industry Moves On, US or No US
The article discusses the global progress in the green hydrogen industry, highlighting how countries like Saudi Arabia and China are advancing in this sector despite limited US government engagement since the Trump administration. Saudi Arabia, traditionally an oil and gas powerhouse, is actively pursuing green hydrogen initiatives by partnering with startups such as Estonia’s Stargate Hydrogen and its Research, Development, and Innovation Authority. This partnership aims to leverage Saudi Arabia’s abundant wind and solar resources to produce green hydrogen via electrolyzers, which use renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy, develop a domestic electrolyzer manufacturing industry, and position the kingdom as a global hub for green hydrogen and sustainable energy technologies. The article also notes that oil and gas companies, including ExxonMobil, are increasingly incorporating green hydrogen into their operations, primarily to improve their sustainability image, though this is sometimes criticized as greenwashing. Saudi Arabia is exploring opportunities to export green hydrogen to
energygreen-hydrogenrenewable-energySaudi-Arabiadecarbonizationelectrolyzershydrogen-fuel-cellsWhy So Many Non-BEV Trucks in NACFE's Run on Less? - CleanTechnica
The North American Council for Freight Efficiency’s (NACFE) "Run on Less" initiative showcases a diverse range of freight trucks, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), renewable diesel tractors, natural gas trucks, and hydrogen fuel cell units. This variety reflects the real-world choices fleets are making, but it also raises questions about why many trucks do not outperform others in terms of cost efficiency or greenhouse gas emissions when normalized for comparable metrics. NACFE aims to clarify this by emphasizing two key metrics upfront: cost per mile (the energy cost to move a loaded truck over a specific route) and well-to-wheel emissions per mile (greenhouse gases from energy production through use, normalized to 1,000 miles). These metrics are contextualized by factors such as duty cycle, location, and energy source characteristics, including grid carbon intensity and fuel production methods. The article details how these metrics are calculated for different truck types, incorporating realistic efficiencies, energy losses, and emissions from fuel production and use. For
energyclean-transportationfreight-efficiencyhydrogen-fuel-cellsrenewable-dieselnatural-gas-trucksemissions-reductionBattery Electric Rise, Hydrogen Falters: Lessons From South Korea - CleanTechnica
South Korea's ambitious 2019 plan to become a global leader in hydrogen transportation, highlighted by a government pledge to replace all 802 police buses with hydrogen fuel cell models by 2028, has largely faltered. Despite significant investment—over $7.2 million spent—and initial enthusiasm from Hyundai and government ministries, only 16 hydrogen police buses are expected to be operational by the end of 2025. The police have refused to purchase more due to unreliable fueling infrastructure, with many hydrogen stations having limited hours, rationing fuel, or frequent outages. This unreliability undermines the operational readiness required for police deployment, effectively ending the program. The failure of South Korea’s hydrogen bus initiative reveals deeper challenges in the country’s hydrogen transportation strategy. Hydrogen buses remain more expensive to buy and operate than battery electric alternatives, with costly and often unreliable fueling stations. Safety concerns also surfaced, notably a December 2024 explosion of a hydrogen bus that injured several people. These practical issues contrast sharply with
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsbattery-electric-vehiclesSouth-Koreatransportation-energyclean-energy-technologyhydrogen-infrastructureBMW Spots An Opportunity For Fuel Cell Vehicles
BMW has reaffirmed its commitment to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), signaling plans to move toward series production despite challenges faced by the technology in the zero-emission mobility market. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) currently dominate due to advantages in cost, fuel availability, and convenience, fuel cells still offer benefits in range and refueling time. BMW’s approach contrasts with companies like Stellantis, which recently discontinued its fuel cell development for light-duty commercial vehicles, citing limited hydrogen infrastructure, high costs, and weak consumer incentives. Stellantis, however, has not abandoned hydrogen entirely and may revisit the technology in the 2030s. BMW’s fuel cell efforts date back to a 2014 prototype and a 2023 limited iX5 demonstration fleet developed with Toyota’s fuel cell technology. The latest development is a third-generation fuel cell platform co-developed with Toyota, designed for both commercial and passenger vehicles. This new system is 25% more compact due to increased power density,
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsBMWfuel-cell-vehicleszero-emission-vehiclesautomotive-technologyclean-energyPlatinum Demand Scenarios Show Hydrogen’s Fatal Constraint - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a critical and often overlooked limitation in the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles: the scarcity of platinum, an essential metal for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Platinum acts as a catalyst in these fuel cells, facilitating key chemical reactions necessary for their operation. However, global platinum supply is limited to about 250 to 280 tons annually, with significant portions already allocated to automotive catalytic converters, jewelry, and industrial uses. The market is currently in deficit, with shortages and rising prices, posing a severe constraint on scaling hydrogen fuel cell technology for mobility. The article further explains that while some hydrogen technologies, like certain electrolysers, can avoid or reduce platinum use by employing alternative materials, fuel cell vehicles lack such flexibility. The demand for platinum in fuel cell stacks is substantial: a typical passenger car requires 13 to 18 grams, heavy trucks 120 to 180 grams, and buses 40 to 90 grams. If just 10%
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsplatinum-scarcityproton-exchange-membraneclean-energyfuel-cell-vehiclesmaterials-scienceHydrogen Mobility vs. Platinum Reality - CleanTechnica
The article "Hydrogen Mobility vs. Platinum Reality" from CleanTechnica highlights significant challenges facing hydrogen fuel cell technology in transportation, particularly due to its reliance on platinum. Alstom’s hydrogen-powered Coradia iLint trains, which use fuel cells supplied by Cummins, have faced operational setbacks in Germany, with many trains reverting to diesel because replacement fuel cells are unavailable. This issue is not merely a supply chain problem but points to a deeper structural constraint: the critical dependence on platinum, a scarce and expensive metal essential for the fuel cells’ catalytic function. Each train’s fuel cells require about 0.2 kg of platinum, costing roughly $8,700 at current prices, which is a significant factor given the limited global platinum production. Platinum’s unique catalytic properties enable the fundamental reactions in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, splitting hydrogen molecules and facilitating the combination of oxygen, protons, and electrons to produce electricity efficiently and durably. This indispensable role means fuel cells cannot
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsplatinum-catalystclean-transportationPEM-fuel-cellsmaterial-constraintssustainable-mobilityUS Navy tests stealthy hydrogen tech delivering more energy than battery
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed and prototyped a portable hydrogen fuel cell device called Hydrogen Small Unit Power (H-SUP) that delivers more energy per weight than traditional batteries. Offering up to 1.2 kW of continuous power in a ruggedized, low-signature package, H-SUP enhances operational range, reduces thermal and audible signatures, and lowers maintenance needs. This technology aims to increase the lethality and autonomy of small Marine units while decreasing logistical sustainment requirements, supporting distributed operations and extending mission range. H-SUP has undergone field testing with Marines at Camp Lejeune in 2022 and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in 2025, with warfighter feedback playing a key role in refining the system and accelerating acquisition. Originally developed for unmanned vehicles, the hydrogen fuel cell technology has also been integrated into the Naval Air Warfare Center’s H2 Stalker program, improving range and endurance of unmanned aerial vehicles. The NRL
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsUS-Navyportable-power-systemsmilitary-technologyunmanned-vehiclesenergy-efficiencyJapanese automotive industry hits five year high in automation - The Robot Report
The Japanese automotive industry installed approximately 13,000 industrial robots in 2024, marking an 11% increase from the previous year and reaching the highest level since 2020, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Japan remains a global leader in robot manufacturing, producing 38% of the world’s robots, and its automotive sector ranks fourth worldwide in robot density with 1,531 robots per 10,000 employees in 2023. This density surpasses that of the United States and Germany, trailing only Slovenia, South Korea, and Switzerland. The industry is currently restructuring to accommodate alternative powertrains, including battery electric, fuel cell electric vehicles, and hydrogen-fueled combustion engines, necessitating advanced production technologies. Automotive manufacturers account for about a quarter of Japan’s annual robot installations, second only to the electrical and electronics sector. Globally, automotive industries continue to invest heavily in automation. Europe installed 23,000 industrial robots in 2024, its
roboticsindustrial-robotsautomotive-automationJapan-automotive-industryfactory-automationelectric-vehicleshydrogen-fuel-cellsICCT’s Hydrogen Assessments Remain Flawed & They Need To Fix Themselves - CleanTechnica
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) recently published a lifecycle assessment (LCA) report on road vehicle decarbonization in Europe that positions hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as a climate-friendly alternative comparable to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, the report has been criticized for focusing on passenger cars in 2025—a segment where hydrogen vehicles have effectively failed in Europe—and ignoring the current market reality where electric buses and heavy goods vehicles dominate. Critics argue that including a "dead segment" like passenger FCEVs misrepresents the state of hydrogen technology and its viability compared to BEVs. More importantly, the ICCT report is faulted for not adequately accounting for hydrogen leakage throughout the supply chain and for using the 20-year global warming potential (GWP20) metric instead of the more common 100-year metric (GWP100). Hydrogen leakage occurs at multiple stages—electrolysis, liquefaction, pipeline transmission, trucking, refueling,
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsvehicle-decarbonizationclimate-changeemissionslifecycle-assessmentclean-transportationSouth Korea to get world's first hydrogen stealth tank from Hyundai
South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem, in collaboration with the Agency for Defense Development and the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality, has launched the development of the K3, the world’s first hydrogen-powered stealth main battle tank. Scheduled for production by 2040, the K3 represents a significant advancement over the current K2 Black Panther, featuring a hybrid powertrain that initially combines hydrogen and diesel before transitioning fully to hydrogen fuel cells. This shift aims to reduce acoustic and thermal signatures, enhancing stealth and operational endurance while marking a paradigm shift in mechanized warfare mobility and survivability. The K3 is equipped with a 130mm smoothbore main gun on an unmanned turret, supported by an AI-enhanced fire control system capable of autonomous target tracking and engagement, enabling preemptive strikes in networked combat environments. It also carries multi-purpose anti-tank guided missiles with ranges up to 8 kilometers and a remote weapons station for close defense. Crew survivability is enhanced through a low-profile hull
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellshybrid-powertrainmilitary-technologyautonomous-targetingAI-fire-controlstealth-technologyStellantis Joins Growing List Of Hydrogen Mobility Retreats - CleanTechnica
Stellantis, a major global automaker and early advocate for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in light commercial transport, has recently retreated from its hydrogen mobility ambitions. Despite launching eight new hydrogen-powered van models in early 2024 and investing heavily—including a 33% stake in French fuel cell supplier Symbio—Stellantis faced harsh economic realities. The company projected producing up to 10,000 hydrogen vans by the end of 2024, banking on supportive European policies and infrastructure. However, the high costs of hydrogen vehicles, which remained about 80% more expensive than comparable battery-electric models even after significant price cuts, proved prohibitive. Former CEO Carlos Tavares publicly acknowledged these challenges, and his departure later in 2024 underscored strategic uncertainties around hydrogen. Stellantis’ withdrawal highlights persistent structural issues with hydrogen mobility, notably the failure of promised European hydrogen refueling infrastructure to materialize. The EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation has seen
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellshydrogen-mobilityzero-emission-vehiclescommercial-vehiclesautomotive-industrysustainable-transportationNew Transportable Off-Grid EV Charging Stations Are Coming
The article discusses recent developments in off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging stations amid regulatory and infrastructure challenges. Despite the temporary suspension of the US NEVI program by President Trump, a judge has mandated its continuation. Meanwhile, startups like California-based L-Charge, in partnership with Epic Charging, are innovating by deploying transportable, off-grid EV chargers that do not rely on traditional electrical grid connections. These chargers use generators fueled by renewable natural gas (RNG) or flare gas, enabling rapid installation at locations such as motels, restaurants, and retail outlets without the need for extensive electrical infrastructure upgrades. L-Charge’s off-grid charging stations offer a practical solution especially for heavy-duty fleet vehicles, providing a faster pathway to electrification and reducing reliance on diesel fuel. The company targets both public use and fleet owners, allowing a single installation to serve multiple needs and reduce tailpipe emissions in communities. This approach, while not a complete decarbonization solution, helps mitigate diesel pollution and supports zero
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-charging-stationsoff-grid-energyrenewable-energybattery-storagehydrogen-fuel-cellsHoku Energy Aims To Fill Green Hydrogen Gap In US
The article discusses the challenges and ongoing efforts to develop green hydrogen production in the United States amid political and policy headwinds. Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail renewable energy initiatives, including the termination of the Biden-era Hydrogen Hubs program that aimed to diversify hydrogen sources toward sustainable methods like electrolysis from water and biomass, investor interest in green hydrogen remains resilient. Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is seen as a critical component for decarbonizing key industrial sectors such as refining, metallurgy, and fertilizer production, as well as for fuel cells in transportation and electricity generation. A notable example of continued investment is the UK-based firm Hoku Energy Ltd., which plans to establish green hydrogen facilities in the US, leveraging existing infrastructure and renewable energy sources. The article highlights the case of Cadiz, Inc., a California-based water resources company with extensive land holdings, which is developing a clean energy campus incorporating green hydrogen production powered by solar energy. While policy setbacks and market skepticism
energygreen-hydrogenrenewable-energyhydrogen-fuel-cellselectrolysissustainable-energyhydrogen-productionToyota & Airbus Push Hydrogen Fuel Cell Dreams - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critically examines the current state and challenges of hydrogen fuel cell technology in transportation, highlighting the gap between its appealing theoretical benefits and practical realities. It emphasizes two main issues: first, hydrogen is not inherently zero-emission unless produced via renewable energy sources like electrolysis powered by green electricity; otherwise, its production from fossil fuels generates significant carbon dioxide. Second, the cost of producing green hydrogen remains prohibitively high, making widespread commercial adoption difficult. Advocates for hydrogen often overlook these barriers, engaging in what the article terms "magic realism"—a hopeful but unrealistic belief in hydrogen’s near-term viability as a clean fuel. Despite these challenges, Toyota Motor Europe, in partnership with VDL Group, has introduced four heavy-duty fuel cell trucks operating between freight terminals in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. These 40-ton trucks reportedly match diesel trucks in performance, offering up to 400 km range per refueling and zero tailpipe emissions, emitting only water vapor.
hydrogen-fuel-cellsToyotaclean-energyzero-emissionsgreen-hydrogenfuel-cell-truckssustainable-transportationScotland’s LoganAir eyes zero-emission flights, partners with ZeroAvia
Scotland’s largest regional airline, LoganAir, has partnered with aerospace company ZeroAvia to explore integrating hydrogen-electric engines into its fleet, aiming to decarbonize regional flights. ZeroAvia’s technology uses hydrogen fuel cells to power electric motors, producing only water as a byproduct and thus achieving zero emissions. The initial test platform will be a Cessna Caravan equipped with ZeroAvia’s 600-kilowatt ZA600 system, designed for aircraft carrying 10 to 20 passengers. ZeroAvia is advancing certification efforts with the UK Civil Aviation Authority for both the ZA600 and the larger ZA2000 systems, targeting aircraft such as the Twin Otter and ATR series—types that are part of LoganAir’s fleet. LoganAir CEO Luke Farajallah highlighted that the airline’s existing fleet and route network are well-suited for hydrogen-electric propulsion, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability. ZeroAvia’s founder Val Miftakhov expressed optimism that this partnership will
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellszero-emission-flightsaviation-technologysustainable-energyelectric-propulsionclean-energyFrom Hydrogen Hope To EV Reality: How Hype’s Subsidy Bubble Burst - CleanTechnica
Hype, once a leading hydrogen taxi service in Europe, has abandoned hydrogen technology and shifted exclusively to electric vehicles, reflecting the broader global failure of hydrogen-powered transportation ventures. Founded in Paris in 2015, Hype initially expanded rapidly by leveraging substantial subsidies from French government agencies, regional authorities, and the European Union. Key funding came from the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), the Île-de-France region, and the EU’s Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU), which supported both vehicle acquisition and the costly hydrogen refueling infrastructure. This extensive public funding masked the underlying economic challenges of hydrogen taxis, which remained prohibitively expensive without subsidies. A critical factor in sustaining Hype’s operations was its partnership with Toyota, which provided free hydrogen fuel with leased Mirai fuel cell vehicles for several years, eliminating a major operational cost and creating a misleading impression of economic viability. By 2020, Hype operated Europe’s largest hydrogen taxi fleet and was prominently featured in
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellselectric-vehiclessustainable-transportationclean-energysubsidieshydrogen-mobilityWorld’s first robot city to rise beneath Japan’s Mount Fuji in 2025
Toyota is set to launch the world’s first fully connected, self-contained “robot city” called Woven City at the base of Mount Fuji, Japan, in fall 2025. Situated on the 175-acre former Higashi-Fuji plant site in Shizuoka Prefecture, about 140 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, this experimental metropolis will serve as a real-world testbed for future mobility, smart infrastructure, and sustainable living. Initially housing 100 residents—mainly Toyota engineers and their families—the population is expected to grow to 360 in the first phase, with a long-term goal of 2,000 inhabitants. The city’s residents are divided into “Inventors,” who develop new technologies, and “Weavers,” who provide user feedback. Central to the city’s design is Toyota’s autonomous electric vehicle platform, the e-Palette, which will operate alongside an underground logistics network and dedicated surface lanes for pedestrians, slower mobility devices, and autonomous vehicles. Beyond mobility, Woven City emphasizes sustainability and resilience through a hydrogen fuel cell energy grid supplemented by solar panels, water recycling, and advanced waste management. Smart homes equipped with robotics and AI will monitor health, manage energy, and optimize daily life, while the entire urban system is interconnected via sensors and AI to create a living digital operating system. The city functions both as a simulation environment and a functioning habitat, enabling direct testing of smart infrastructure technologies. Although not open to tourists initially, Toyota plans to allow public access starting in 2026. Ultimately, Woven City aims to serve as a scalable model for future urban planning worldwide, demonstrating how public-private partnerships can foster next-generation technologies amid growing climate and security challenges.
robotIoTenergyautonomous-vehiclessmart-cityhydrogen-fuel-cellssustainable-livingCalifornia prepares to sue feds after Senate revokes the state’s EV rule
energyelectric-vehicleszero-emissionsCaliforniaemissions-standardshydrogen-fuel-cellsbattery-electric-vehiclesSenate votes to revoke California’s ability to set air pollution standards
energyzero-emissionselectric-vehicleshydrogen-fuel-cellsCalifornia-emissions-standardsenvironmental-policyclean-technology