These are common criticisms of hydrogen for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), but they don’t tell the full story. Below are responses to each of these criticisms:
1. Efficiency is a disastrous and wasteful way of using renewables
Yes, hydrogen has lower “well-to-wheel” efficiency compared to direct battery electric vehicles (BEVs), but efficiency is not the only factor in transportation decisions. For HGVs, weight, range, refuelling time, and infrastructure feasibility also matter. Batteries required for long-haul trucking would be too heavy and take too long to charge, making hydrogen a more practical solution. Also, excess renewable energy (which would otherwise be curtailed) can be used to produce hydrogen, improving overall energy utilisation.
2. Supply is short (green H2) and complex
Green hydrogen production is scaling up rapidly worldwide. The UK government has set ambitious hydrogen production targets, and major investments are being made in electrolysers and hydrogen production hubs. The key is to build demand and supply in parallel, much like how EV charging infrastructure was developed.
3. Technology is complex and very costly (TCO nightmare)
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have higher upfront costs, but the total cost of ownership (TCO) will decrease as production scales. Hydrogen ICE (internal combustion engine) conversions are also being developed as a lower-cost transition option. Additionally, hydrogen-powered HGVs have a longer range and faster refuelling times compared to battery alternatives, improving vehicle utilisation and logistics efficiency.
4. Weight problems that lead to too low range
Battery-electric HGVs require very large and heavy battery packs to achieve the range needed for long-haul transport. Hydrogen systems (fuel cells or ICE) are significantly lighter than massive battery packs, allowing for a higher payload while maintaining a competitive range.
5. Very costly fuel and dense refuelling infrastructure required
Hydrogen fuel costs are expected to drop with scale. The UK government and private sector are investing in hydrogen refuelling networks, with hubs at major transport corridors. Compared to BEV charging stations for HGVs, hydrogen stations require less grid reinforcement and offer much faster refuelling, reducing downtime.
6. Emissions and greenhouse gas leakage concerns
Hydrogen leakage is a real issue, but studies show it is manageable with proper pipeline materials and monitoring. Leakage rates in well-regulated supply chains are low. Importantly, hydrogen combustion (in ICE or fuel cells) produces zero CO₂, a major advantage over diesel.
7. Water exhaust causing ice hazards in winter
FCEVs emit small amounts of water vapour, which is rapidly dispersed. The amount is far less than what ICE vehicles emit through their exhaust and air conditioning systems. This is a minor concern compared to the significant benefits of decarbonisation.
8. Safety challenges
Hydrogen has strict safety regulations in place and is already safely used in industrial applications worldwide. It disperses quickly in case of a leak, reducing fire risk compared to petrol or diesel. Hydrogen vehicles are subject to stringent crash and safety tests, just like other vehicles.
9. General scepticism (“The list goes on”)
Hydrogen is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it has a clear role in long-haul transport, where batteries struggle. Countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea are heavily investing in hydrogen trucking because they recognise the economic and environmental benefits.
Conclusion: Hydrogen is a viable long-term solution for HGVs
This is not a “dead duck” strategy, it is a necessary pathway to decarbonising heavy transport. Battery-electric trucks are great for short-haul urban delivery, but for long-haul logistics, hydrogen is a far more practical option due to weight, range, and refuelling speed.
Hydrogen adoption is growing, and early investments will secure market leadership. Instead of dismissing hydrogen, the focus should be on accelerating infrastructure, improving efficiency, and reducing costs, just as was done with EVs.
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