Driving Vehicles into the Future: How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology is Changing the Automotive Field

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is transforming the automotive industry, offering a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels and electric vehicles (EVs). With the potential to produce zero harmful tailpipe emissions, hydrogen-powered vehicles are an exciting development in the quest for a cleaner, greener transport system.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is changing the automotive field

According to a joint government-industry study, there could be over 1.5 million hydrogen-powered vehicles on our roads by 2030. This growth is expected to continue, with companies like Hyundai and BMW already releasing hydrogen-powered cars and planning for further deliveries in the coming years.

Hydrogen fuel-powered vehicles offer a similar driving experience to EVs - they’re lighter, quicker, and quieter. The main difference for the driver is that range anxiety will be completely eliminated. The ability to fill up as you would with petrol or diesel and hit the road with zero emissions is an exciting concept.

The potential is also there to transform the lighter commercial vehicle market. The technology will allow for trucks weighing just seven and a half tonnes and ranges of over 150 miles to travel through clean air zones, potentially removing current payload and additional fee challenges for businesses who rely on LCV fleets.

However, there are challenges associated with hydrogen fuel cell technology. Efficient hydrogen production for automotive use is still in the works, with the majority of hydrogen produced for fuel falling under the ‘grey area’ of gas turbine electricity using natural gas. We, as a country, need to focus on this bigger picture and the entire supply chain to ensure hydrogen adoption is a clean, viable future concept for transportation.

Another area to address is revamping the refuelling infrastructure. There are currently around 11 fuelling stations in the UK, and only six of them are open to the public. It’s not an unfamiliar journey now, though. Looking back at how far EV charging networks have come over the past few years does put an air of optimism to the adoption of hydrogen cars on the road.

But it is somewhat of a chicken and egg situation when it comes to purchasing decisions and hydrogen stations.

Revamping the refuelling infrastructure is key to hydrogen adoption

When you add up globally how much less emissions would be produced if petrol and diesel cars were to be replaced with hydrogen and electric, it’s a no-brainer we start adopting these technologies and get trained to deal with them.

A recent study conducted by Hydrogen UK is predicting there will be 8,500 jobs in the UK in the next five years in hydrogen, and technicians need to be prepared for this shift with training and attaining qualifications.

At Blackburn College, home to one of the UK’s first IMI-accredited hydrogen training pilots, there is an opportunity to gain the skills needed to prepare for the arrival of mass adoption of hydrogen vehicles. The College is already seeing a rising demand in technicians wanting high-level qualifications.

‘We all know that we need to work together to meet the country’s net zero goals and improve air quality. Which is why Blackburn College is already putting in place the training needed to ensure that the industry has the necessary knowledge and skills for the UK’s transition to cleaner, greener transport.’ - Michael Yerbury, Advanced Automotive Technical Trainer at Blackburn College’s Hybrid Electric Automotive Training Centre (HEAT)

Blackburn College is leading the way in hydrogen training

Overall, it’s an exciting time to be in the automotive industry. With the potential for hydrogen fuel cell technology to transform the net zero landscape, it’s essential we focus on the bigger picture and work together to ensure a clean, viable future concept for transportation.