Hydrogen shifts to heavy transport — and Asia is in the lead

From passenger car to truck and bus

Hydrogen in transport is shifting its focus: no longer the passenger car, but the truck and the bus have become the drivers. According to an analysis by Hydrogen Fuel News, growth is now mainly in heavy transport — and Asia is setting the pace.

Asia is well ahead

The figures speak for themselves:

• China is home to over 90% of all hydrogen trucks worldwide, helped by strong national and local subsidies and 'hydrogen clusters' with thousands of trucks and buses.
• South Korea has nearly one in five of the world's hydrogen buses and is aiming for millions of fuel-cell vehicles.
• Japan is targeting 3 million fuel-cell vehicles by 2030.

Together, the Asia-Pacific region accounts for around 45% of the market.

Why heavy transport in particular?

For large trucks and buses, hydrogen's strengths come into their own: a long range and fast refuelling, exactly what you need for long trips and tight timetables. Tighter climate targets and emissions standards — from the EU to California — also make the switch more urgent.

A growing market

Worldwide, more than 60,000 fuel-cell vehicles are now on the road. Analysts expect this to grow toward 1.5 million by 2035. Over the same period, the fuel-cell market could grow from around 12.5 billion to 95 billion dollars, with heavy transport as the largest segment.

And Europe?

For now, Europe is lagging behind. Several hydrogen bus pilots have been cancelled, partly due to less stable policy, lower investment in infrastructure and a still-thin supply of clean hydrogen. Precisely the things that are in place in Asia.

Our take

That hydrogen is finding its place in heavy transport is logical and encouraging: that is where the technology delivers most. At the same time, Europe's lag is a clear signal. We hope that news such as the recent partnership between Toyota, Daimler Truck and Volvo — together with stable policy — will help turn the tide. Because the buses and trucks are there; now for the refuelling infrastructure and the certainty investors need.

Sources

• Hydrogen Fuel News — Hydrogen fuel cell mobility shifts to heavy-duty trucks and buses, led by Asia (7 July 2026)
• IndexBox — Hydrogen fuel cells market to surpass $95 billion by 2035