Hydrogen cars available to buy in 2020

Hydrogen fuel cell cars in the UK

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is an area of the automotive industry that is becoming increasingly important as more manufacturers commit to developing this type of power-train. The likes of Honda, BMW, Mercedes and Audi have all confirmed that they are working on fuel cell cars, with new models expected to come along in the next coupe of years.

Like electric cars, hydrogen powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are are classed as ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) since the only substance to come out of the exhaust is water vapour. As such, they share many of the benefits over conventionally-fuelled vehicles: lower running costs with zero or reduced fuel, tax and congestion charges; tail-pipe emission free driving reducing impact on climate change and air quality; a high tech, smooth and quiet driving experience. There is an added benefit that it only takes five minutes to top up the tank too, rather than the half an hour it takes to rapid recharge an EV.

Owning a hydrogen fuel cell car will currently mean a change in driving patterns, since there are few hydrogen refuelling stations in the UK. Therefore, the lack of refuelling infrastructure - along with the relatively high prices - mean that a fuel cell car isn't for everyone. Have a look at our hydrogen fuel cell page for more information and advice.