International. Hydrogen-powered cars, for years a promise of clean mobility, are beginning to emerge as a real competitor to battery-electric vehicles.
According to a study by MarketsandMarkets, the global hydrogen car market will grow from 23,000 units in 2024 to 353,000 in 2035, with an annual growth rate of 28.3%.
The momentum comes from several fronts: decarbonization goals, government interest in zero-emission vehicles, and technological advances that reduce costs and improve range. Manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai and BMW are at the forefront of this transition, betting on hydrogen as an alternative for applications where batteries still have limitations.
The report highlights that hydrogen-powered trucks are shaping up to be the fastest-growing segment, with an expected annual expansion of 36.6% through 2035. Brands such as Volvo and Daimler are working on new long-range models, while China is currently leading adoption in the Asia-Pacific region.
In the United States, the $7 billion national strategy to create hydrogen refueling hubs is driving demand for hydrogen heavy-duty vehicles. Models such as the Hyundai XCIENT or the Hyzon Hymax are already circulating in commercial tests, and other manufacturers such as Scania or Volvo Trucks are preparing launches for the coming years.
Beyond fuel cells, the study foresees a boom in hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines (H2-ICE), especially in heavy-duty vehicles.
These motors offer greater efficiency and lower production costs, as they do not require expensive materials such as platinum.
Companies such as Bosch and Volvo are already developing prototypes of this type of propulsion, considered a more immediate and affordable alternative for the energy transition of freight transport.
The report identifies North America as the fastest growing region for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
The United States concentrates 94% of the regional market, with Toyota leading sales (89% share in 2023), thanks to state subsidy and incentive programs.
Despite the slowdown in the construction of fixed stations in California, the country plans to expand its network through portable stations. Models such as the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo continue to dominate, while new versions oriented towards pickups and heavy trucks will arrive before 2026, including the Toyota Hyluz and the Daimler H2 Truck.
An ecosystem in the making
The advancement of hydrogen in transport depends largely on recharging infrastructure and the production of green hydrogen, generated with renewable energies.
Collaboration between manufacturers, energy companies and governments will be key for this technology to gain ground outside of Asia and Europe, where the greatest advances are already being recorded.
While Japan and South Korea consolidate their leadership and Europe promotes projects with the support of the European Union, Latin America is beginning to explore the potential of hydrogen with initiatives in Brazil, Chile and Mexico, focused on heavy transport and logistics.
