The Future of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles: Is the Zero-Emissions Vehicle Market Destined to be Battery Electric?

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have undeniably claimed leadership in every vehicle segment as the go-to zero-emissions technology. In fact, according to IDTechEx's analysis, more than 2,000 times as many BEV passenger cars were sold in 2024 compared to fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). For commercial vehicles such as light commercial vehicles, buses, and trucks, BEVs present a competitive total cost of ownership (TCO) against internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in many scenarios. Meanwhile, FCEV commercial vehicles have struggled with the upfront costs, scale, and availability and price of hydrogen and continue to play catch-up. However, IDTechEx believes that even in the face of delays and the continuing improvement of BEV technology, FCEVs will have a part to play in the zero-emissions solution in 20 years. This is reflected in the anticipated release of new FCEV models from OEMs such as Hyundai and BMW, as well as the continued improvement in both fuel cell technology and hydrogen infrastructure.

 

This webinar by IDTechEx is based on its new report "Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles 2025-2045: Markets, Technologies, Forecasts" and will cover: