Evaluating Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks Amid Industry Challenges

Last Updated: April 22, 2025By

Hydrogen fuel cell trucks promised a bold future for heavy-duty freight. Clean refueling, long range, quick fill-ups—on paper, they ticked all the boxes for a zero-emissions alternative to diesel. But in practice? It’s been a tougher road.

Nikola’s bankruptcy in 2024, after years of hype and investor controversy, sent a chill through the hydrogen community. Meanwhile, Hyzon Motors—another early hydrogen player—has faced delivery delays, leadership changes, and investor skepticism. These stories have raised a pressing question for fleet managers: Is hydrogen trucking still worth considering?

What Hydrogen Gets Right

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) have some clear advantages. Class 8 hydrogen trucks like the Hyundai Xcient and Toyota-Kenworth models offer:

  • Faster refueling than battery-electric vehicles (under 15 minutes).
  • Longer range, typically 400–500+ miles.
  • Lighter batteries, which means more payload compared to BEVs.

Hydrogen also produces zero tailpipe emissions—just water vapor—which helps fleets stay ahead of tightening emissions regulations in California and beyond. The federal government is backing hydrogen with billions in funding via the Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Hubs initiative, aimed at building a nationwide hydrogen infrastructure.

The Problems Fleet Managers Can’t Ignore

But the reality on the ground is still shaky:

  • Infrastructure is scarce: As of early 2025, the U.S. has fewer than 60 public hydrogen fueling stations, most clustered in California. AFDC Station Locator
  • Fuel costs remain high: Hydrogen fuel averages $13–$16/kg, which can be more expensive than diesel or even electricity on a per-mile basis.
  • Vehicle availability is limited: Most hydrogen trucks are still in the pilot or low-production phase.
  • Maintenance costs are unclear: With limited real-world data, fleets are hesitant to commit without seeing full lifecycle cost comparisons.

Who’s Still Betting on Hydrogen?

Despite setbacks, hydrogen isn’t going away. Heavy hitters are still investing:

  • Hyundai is expanding pilot programs in the U.S. and Europe with its Xcient FCEV.
  • Toyota and Kenworth continue testing their hydrogen trucks at ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach.
  • Cummins is developing a fuel-agnostic platform, including hydrogen engines and fuel cell tech.
  • Nikola, post-bankruptcy, is refocusing purely on hydrogen with a trimmed-down strategy and support from energy partners.

Several logistics and drayage operators in California are participating in government-backed demonstration projects. See examples from the California Hydrogen Business Council.

Should You Invest?

Fleet managers should approach hydrogen as a long-term strategy, not a short-term fix. For most, it’s not yet commercially viable unless supported by subsidies or limited to regions with established infrastructure. That said, it’s worth monitoring as the tech matures.

Steps to take:

  • Explore government grants via CARB’s HVIP program.
  • Pilot hydrogen trucks on short-haul or return-to-base routes.
  • Talk to OEMs with real-world deployments, like Hyundai, Toyota, or Cummins.

Hydrogen still holds promise for Class 8 fleets—but it’s not ready for prime time everywhere. Infrastructure gaps, fuel costs, and limited supply make it a risky move without government support or a long-term strategy.

If you’re a fleet based in California or part of a port logistics operation, consider dipping your toe in the water. For the rest? Keep an eye on the tech—and be ready when it scales.

Read more:

 

you might also like