Software specialist FleetCheck has encouraged fleets to call on the Government to match the EU’s targets on hydrogen infrastructure.
This came after BMW revealed that that it will not sell hydrogen models in the UK due to the lack of supporting infrastructure.
Peter Golding, CEO of FleetCheck, said: “We’re in a situation where an almost complete absence of infrastructure means we’re in danger of being left behind when it comes to hydrogen, even though there seems to be general agreement among fleets that it has a definite role to play in the future.
“It’s widely recognised, for example, that adoption of electric vans is much slower than originally anticipated and, as yet, there are no real answers to the problems that some fleets are experiencing in operational terms.
“There is already a potentially viable zero emissions alternative in the shape of Vauxhall’s new hydrogen van, which offers 250 miles of range and five-minute refuelling.
“However, unless you can afford to bunker fuel, it’s not a practical proposition owing to the lack of stations.”
The EU committed to building at least one hydrogen filling station per 120 miles of major road by 2030.
The UK currently has 16 hydrogen filling stations nationwide, while the Netherlands alone has 14, despite being a significantly smaller country.
Golding said: “It seems obvious to operators that some fuel choices are more suitable for certain applications but the UK government approach appears to be almost entirely centred on battery electric vehicles, simply because they are available here and now.
“With the recent changes made to the ZEV Mandate providing some more breathing space for the motor industry, one of the potential beneficiaries could be the hydrogen sector, with an investment made in infrastructure.
“UK fleets should be calling for this to happen.
“The danger is that other manufacturers will come to the same conclusion as BMW, deciding there is little point in bringing their hydrogen models to a country where availability of the fuel is almost non-existent.”
