# Hydrogen Truck Market adoption rising across Europe and North America
The global transportation sector is at a critical juncture, faced with the dual challenge of meeting growing freight demand while transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Among the most promising innovations in this transformation is the emergence of hydrogen-powered trucks. These vehicles, which use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for propulsion, are rapidly gaining momentum across Europe and North America as governments, fleet operators, and manufacturers rally behind the push for zero-emission transport solutions.

According to a recent report by Persistence Market Research, the global [hydrogen truck market](https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/hydrogen-truck-market.asp) is expected to see explosive growth over the next decade. Valued at US$ 4.2 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach an impressive US$ 25.8 billion by 2032, registering a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.5% during this forecast period. This dramatic expansion highlights not only the increasing feasibility of hydrogen truck technology but also the accelerating pace at which adoption is taking place in key global regions, particularly Europe and North America.

Why Hydrogen Trucks Are Gaining Traction

The appeal of hydrogen trucks lies in their unique combination of advantages over traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Unlike diesel trucks, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct. Compared to BEVs, hydrogen trucks offer significantly shorter refueling times and greater range—attributes that are critical for long-haul freight applications where downtime and distance constraints are crucial operational considerations.

In both Europe and North America, these attributes are aligning well with the increasing pressure to decarbonize the transport sector. Regulatory mandates on emissions reduction, financial incentives for clean energy adoption, and growing environmental awareness are encouraging fleet operators to look beyond diesel and battery-electric solutions. Hydrogen trucks, with their potential for long-range operation and rapid refueling, are emerging as a viable alternative for heavy-duty freight transportation.

Policy Support Fueling Market Momentum

Government policy is playing a pivotal role in propelling the hydrogen truck market forward. In Europe, the European Union's ambitious climate targets under the European Green Deal aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To meet these goals, the EU has emphasized hydrogen as a cornerstone of its clean energy strategy. Countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the UK have unveiled national hydrogen roadmaps, outlining billions in investments to support hydrogen production, infrastructure development, and vehicle adoption.

Germany, in particular, has emerged as a hydrogen mobility leader in Europe. Through its National Hydrogen Strategy, the country has committed over €9 billion toward establishing a competitive hydrogen economy. This includes subsidies for fuel cell vehicles and investments in hydrogen refueling stations, many of which are being installed along major logistics corridors to support heavy-duty trucking.

Similarly, in North America, the United States and Canada are ramping up their efforts to support hydrogen-powered transportation. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Shot initiative aims to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen by 80% to $1 per kilogram within the decade. Meanwhile, various state-level incentives, such as California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), are encouraging the deployment of zero-emission vehicles including hydrogen trucks. Canada, with its Hydrogen Strategy for Canada framework, is also investing in hydrogen infrastructure and supporting the transition of freight fleets to clean energy alternatives.

Industry Collaboration and Investment

In tandem with government support, private sector investment is playing a vital role in the adoption of hydrogen trucks. Leading truck manufacturers, fuel cell technology providers, and energy companies are entering into strategic partnerships to develop, produce, and deploy hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles at scale.

European manufacturers such as Daimler Truck and Volvo Group have committed substantial resources to hydrogen truck development. Their joint venture, Cellcentric, is focused on accelerating fuel cell technology for commercial vehicles. Daimler has already begun road-testing its GenH2 Truck, which boasts a range of up to 1,000 kilometers, with production expected to ramp up later in the decade.

In North America, companies like Nikola Corporation and Hyzon Motors are at the forefront of the hydrogen truck market. Nikola, for instance, is rolling out its Tre FCEV model with support from key logistics partners and plans to establish a network of hydrogen fueling stations across the United States. Hyzon Motors, with operations in both North America and Europe, is focusing on delivering fuel cell-powered trucks tailored for regional and long-haul transport.

Moreover, energy giants such as Shell and Air Liquide are investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure. Shell is developing a network of hydrogen fueling stations in California and across Europe, aiming to support both passenger and commercial fuel cell vehicles. This infrastructure build-out is essential for ensuring the viability and convenience of hydrogen trucking, as access to refueling facilities remains one of the primary barriers to adoption.

Use Cases and Pilot Programs

Across Europe and North America, several pilot programs and early deployments are demonstrating the real-world viability of hydrogen trucks. In the Netherlands, a consortium led by HyTrucks is planning to deploy 1,000 hydrogen-powered trucks and build 25 hydrogen stations by 2025, targeting high-density freight corridors in the Netherlands, Belgium, and western Germany.

In Switzerland, Hyundai has partnered with H2 Energy to deploy a fleet of fuel cell trucks for commercial use. These vehicles are being used by major retailers and logistics companies, providing critical data and operational insights that are helping to refine the technology and scale up production.

In North America, California continues to be a testing ground for hydrogen truck deployments, thanks to its favorable regulatory landscape and existing infrastructure. Projects such as the NorCAL ZERO initiative—led by the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), with support from Nikola and other partners—are putting hydrogen-powered Class 8 trucks on the road for real-world testing in freight applications.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the outlook for hydrogen truck adoption is promising, several challenges remain. The high cost of fuel cell systems, limited refueling infrastructure, and complexities associated with hydrogen storage and transportation still pose obstacles to widespread commercialization. However, economies of scale, technological advancements, and sustained policy support are expected to drive down costs and address infrastructure gaps over time.

Furthermore, the push for green hydrogen—produced using renewable energy sources—is critical to ensuring that hydrogen trucking delivers true environmental benefits. As more renewable energy is integrated into hydrogen production, the carbon footprint of hydrogen fuel will decrease, making it an even more compelling option for sustainable transportation.

Looking ahead, the hydrogen truck market is poised for transformative growth, especially in regions with strong regulatory frameworks and well-developed logistics networks. Europe and North America, with their advanced economies and environmental commitments, are likely to remain at the forefront of this transition.

Conclusion

The adoption of hydrogen trucks is no longer a distant vision—it is fast becoming a reality in Europe and North America. Driven by stringent climate goals, supportive policies, technological innovation, and growing industrial collaboration, the hydrogen truck market is set to expand dramatically in the coming years. With a projected CAGR of 29.5% from 2025 to 2032, taking the global market value from US$ 4.2 billion to US$ 25.8 billion, hydrogen-powered transport is poised to reshape the future of freight logistics. For stakeholders across the supply chain—from fleet operators to fuel providers—this presents a compelling opportunity to invest in a cleaner, more resilient transportation ecosystem.