Fuel cell vehicles to escalate numbers

Production of Global Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles is expected to reach more than 70,000 annually by 2027, as more automotive OEMs bring FCEVs to market, according to a new FCEV report from IHS Automotive.

The report takes a holistic view on FCEV production, components and hydrogen and infrastructure markets.

"Recently there has been an increasing focus on battery electric vehicles and battery technology, but FCEVs could also play a key role in zero-carbon mobility," said Ben Scott, senior analyst with IHS Automotive. "We are now in the third wave of FCEVs from OEMs and more Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure is beginning to be rolled out," he said.  "This could be a 'now or never' situation for FCEVs in mass market mobility."

There are only three FCEVs currently available for consumers to purchase/lease; Toyota Mirai, Hyundai ix35/Tucson and the Honda Clarity, all of which are only available in select markets. However, during the next 11 years, the number of available FCEV models is expected to jump to 17, as more OEMs add FCEVs to their product portfolios, IHS says. As expected, in the near-term, most FCEV production is expected to be in Japan and Korea, but by 2021, European FCEV production will take the lead globally.

This indicates a shift in regional momentum for FCEVs as OEMs look to meet emissions targets.