# UK Hydrogen Mobility Market

> UK Hydrogen Mobility Market Research Report By Transport Type (Cars, Trucks, Buses, Vans, Marine, Others), By Conversion Technology (Hydrogen Fuel Cell, Internal Combustion Engine), By Form (Compressed Gas, Liquid Hydrogen), By Application (Private Mobility, Logistic Operators, Public transit, Defense, Others), By Region – Forecast to 2035

- **Forecast Period:** 2025 - 2035
- **CAGR:** 23.7%
- **2024:** $ 13,904.53 (USD Thousand)
- **2025:** $ 19,607.1 (USD Thousand)
- **2035:** $ 164,400.1 (USD Thousand)
- **Key Players:** Protium, First Hydrogen, Linde PLC, AFC Energy, Air Liquide, Ryze Power, Plug Power Inc., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc, Statkraft AS, GeoPura Ltd and Others

**Report ID:** MRFR/EnP/63998-CR · **Pages:** 100 · **Author:** Chitranshi Jaiswal · **Last Updated:** June 30, 2026

**URL:** https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/uk-hydrogen-mobility-market-65797

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## Market Drivers

### Strong National Strategy & Targets

The UK Government’s Hydrogen Strategy (2021) forms the backbone of national policy driving hydrogen mobility growth. It projects that hydrogen will contribute 20–35% of the UK’s final energy demand by 2050, equivalent to 250–460 TWh annually, making it one of the largest emerging clean energy vectors. Hydrogen’s role is pivotal in meeting the UK’s legally binding Net Zero 2050 target, particularly for decarbonising hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy road transport, shipping, and aviation. The government also targets 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production capacity by 2030, with at least 5 GW from electrolytic (green) hydrogen, ensuring a sustainable fuel supply for mobility.
 
Transport currently accounts for over 25% of UK emissions, and hydrogen is positioned as a complementary solution to battery-electric mobility. This national commitment places the UK alongside leading hydrogen nations such as Japan, Germany, and South Korea. By embedding hydrogen into its Energy Security Strategy (2022) and Transport Decarbonisation Plan (2021), the UK is not only ensuring energy transition resilience but also setting the stage for large-scale commercial hydrogen mobility adoption post-2030.
The UK Government has created an extensive funding ecosystem to accelerate hydrogen deployment in transport. The Net Zero Hydrogen Fund (NZHF) provides £240 million in capital grants to support low-carbon hydrogen production projects, directly feeding into the mobility supply chain. Additionally, the Hydrogen Production Business Model (HPBM) worth up to £100 million annually offers revenue support through long-term contracts, ensuring economic viability of hydrogen producers supplying refuelling infrastructure. For the transport sector specifically, the Hydrogen Transport Programme (HTP) and Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme have allocated over £200 million to enable deployment of fuel-cell buses and hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) across key regions such as Aberdeen, Birmingham, and Tees Valley.
The Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub, backed by £23 million, serves as the UK’s first integrated demonstration ecosystem for hydrogen mobility across logistics, buses, and fleet operations. These funding initiatives collectively stimulate early adoption, reduce investment risk, and signal long-term policy certainty for OEMs, logistics operators, and refuelling developers key factors in transitioning from pilot projects to commercial hydrogen mobility networks.
Regulatory and deployment targets further underpin the growth of hydrogen mobility in the UK. Under the Transport Decarbonisation Plan, all new HGVs under 26 tonnes must be zero-emission by 2035, with heavier HGVs to follow by 2040, creating a clear demand signal for fuel-cell trucks. The Low-Carbon Hydrogen Standard (LCHS) defines emissions thresholds to ensure that hydrogen used in transport delivers genuine carbon savings an essential element for fleet operators seeking ESG compliance.
Despite a modest current footprint, the UK ranks 7th globally in total fuel-cell vehicle (FCEV) deployment, with 36 medium-duty hydrogen trucks and 36 hydrogen buses in operation as of 2024. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) forecasts rapid growth in the next decade as hydrogen corridors and production clusters (e.g., Tees Valley, Humber, South Wales) mature. In addition, new hydrogen refuelling standards (350–700 bar) and interoperability protocols are being established to align with European Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), ensuring UK compatibility with continental hydrogen transport networks.

### Regulatory Deadlines For HGVS/Buses And Local Air Quality Pressures

In the UK, the regulatory framework is increasingly compelling heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to transition to zero-emission mandates, creating a strong driver for hydrogen-mobility adoption. The Department for Transport (DfT) confirms that new non-zero-emission HGVs at or under 26 tonnes must cease sales by 2035, and from 2040 all new HGVs in the UK must be fully zero emission.  By setting these clear phase-out dates, the government provides market certainty and forces fleet operators, manufacturers and infrastructure providers to plan ahead.  Because hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles (and hydrogen internal-combustion alternatives) are among the few viable zero-emission options for long-haul heavy freight where battery-only solutions face constraints in range, weight and charging time these deadlines create a growth engine for hydrogen mobility.
 
Furthermore, the road-freight sector contributes around 19% of the UK’s domestic transport emissions (in 2020) and is thus a key target for decarbonisation. With fleets needing to renew and replace assets well ahead of the phase-out, hydrogen solutions garner interest as they align with the regulatory horizon. Similarly, the bus sector is subject to regulatory pressure, pushing toward zero-emission fleets and thereby opening hydrogen as a credible mobility pathway. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), in Q1 2025 the UK recorded 739 zero-emission buses (ZEBs) representing 29.2% of all new bus and coach registrations, up 129.5% year-on-year. Meanwhile, the government in England is consulting on ending sales of new non-zero emission buses (i.e., diesel or hybrid conventional) from 2030 at the earliest.
While coaches and minibuses are still being assessed, the clear signal toward 2030 triggers procurement and investment decisions now. Hydrogen-fuel-cell buses (especially in longer-range or higher-duty routes) thus benefit: they offer fast refuelling and heavier duty capability compared to battery-only options in certain contexts. The regulatory deadline accelerates fleet replacement cycles, making hydrogen-powered buses commercially more viable and reducing perceived risk for infrastructure investment (refuelling stations, depot conversions). The convergence of bus-fleet turnover and zero-emission policy deadlines helps drive hydrogen mobility adoption in the UK transit sector.
Beyond national deadlines, local air-quality regulations impose additional urgency that drives hydrogen mobility uptake. For example, in the capital, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion across Greater London led to a 27% reduction in roadside nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels city-wide and a 31% drop in PM2.5 emissions in outer London in 2024 compared to what would have occurred without the expansion. Heavy vehicles such as buses and HGVs are significant contributors to local NO₂ and particulate pollution the Transport for London (TfL) reports that its bus fleet achieved a 90% reduction in NOx emissions compared to 2016 after upgrading to Euro VI engines.

## Future Outlook

The Hydrogen Mobility Market is projected to grow at an 23.7 % CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by the Strong National Strategy and Targets, Regulatory Deadlines for HGVS/BUSES and local air quality pressures.

**New opportunities:**

- Rapid deployment of new refuelling stations to meet growing H2 vehicle demand. This expansion will enable nationwide connectivity and support commercial fleet adoption at scale. Hydrogen is increasingly preferred for long-haul and high-load operations. Its fast refuelling and long-range capabilities make it ideal for logistics and freight companies seeking zero-emission alternatives. Major transport hubs are transitioning to hydrogen-powered equipment and vehicles. These high-traffic zones create concentrated, reliable demand that accelerates early market commercialization. Rising need for renewable hydrogen to supply buses, trucks, and industrial fleets. Localized production ensures cost stability and reduces dependency on imported hydrogen sources.

By 2035, the UK Hydrogen Mobility Market is expected to become a central pillar of the nation’s clean transport ecosystem, enabling zero-emission mobility, supporting large-scale hydrogen infrastructure deployment, and driving the transition toward a resilient, low-carbon, and future-ready transportation network.

## Segment Insights

### By Transport Type: Buses (Largest) vs. Truck (Emerging)

the Buses segment drove the UK Hydrogen Mobility Market by holding a substantial market share. The bus segment represents one of the most advanced and commercially mature applications within the UK hydrogen mobility market, benefiting from favorable operational characteristics, established refueling infrastructure at centralized depots, and strong public sector procurement support driving early adoption and market development. This segment leverages the inherent suitability of hydrogen fuel cells for public transport applications, where buses operate on fixed routes with predictable schedules, return to central depots for refueling, and require sufficient range and passenger capacity to maintain service reliability throughout extended operating days without mid-route charging interruptions. In contrast, the [heavy-duty truck](https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/heavy-duty-trucks-market-11290) segment emerges as perhaps the most commercially promising and strategically critical area within the UK hydrogen mobility market, driven by the compelling operational requirements of long-haul freight transport that align closely with hydrogen's inherent advantages over battery electric alternatives. This segment addresses a fundamental challenge in the UK's decarbonization strategy, as heavy goods vehicles account for a disproportionate share of transport emissions while facing severe limitations with battery electric solutions due to payload penalties, extended charging times, and range constraints that prove particularly problematic for intercity and international freight operations.

### By Conversion Technology: Hydrogen Fuel Cell (Largest) vs. Internal Combustion (Emerging)

Hydrogen fuel cell technology represents the dominant and most commercially advanced conversion pathway within the UK hydrogen mobility market, characterized by superior energy efficiency, zero tailpipe emissions, quieter operation, and greater technology maturity compared to hydrogen internal combustion engines. This technology converts hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical process, producing only water vapor as a byproduct while delivering efficiency levels typically exceeding 50-60% in automotive applications—substantially higher than hydrogen combustion engines and approaching double the efficiency of conventional diesel engines. In contrast, Hydrogen internal combustion engine technology represents an alternative and increasingly discussed conversion pathway within the UK hydrogen mobility market, characterized by lower capital costs, compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure, and potential advantages for specific heavy-duty applications, though constrained by lower efficiency and technical challenges compared to fuel cell alternatives. The hydrogen combustion pathway has experienced renewed interest following announcements by major manufacturers including JCB, Toyota, and Cummins developing hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines targeting heavy-duty applications such as construction equipment, trucks, and industrial machinery where the technology's characteristics—including high power output, proven reliability in demanding conditions, and lower system costs compared to fuel cells, which offers practical advantages over alternative zero-emission technologies.

### By Form: Compressed Gas (Largest) vs. Liquid Hydrogen (Emerging)

In Compressed hydrogen gas represents the overwhelmingly dominant storage and distribution form within the UK hydrogen mobility market, characterized by established technology maturity, extensive industry experience, relative simplicity compared to liquid hydrogen, and compatibility with existing vehicle designs and refueling infrastructure. The compressed gas segment benefits from decades of industrial experience with high-pressure gas storage and handling, established safety standards and regulatory frameworks governing pressure vessel design and operation, and a supply chain encompassing specialized tank manufacturers, compression equipment suppliers, and transportation providers capable of delivering compressed hydrogen to refueling stations via high-pressure tube trailers or permanent pipeline connections where available. Liquid hydrogen represents an emerging and potentially transformative storage and distribution form within the UK hydrogen mobility market, characterized by superior energy density enabling extended vehicle range and reduced storage volume, though requiring cryogenic technology and facing substantial technical and economic challenges that have thus far limited commercial deployment primarily to specialized applications.

### By Application: Public Transit (Largest) Vs. Logistics Operators (Emerging)

In Public transit applications represent the most mature and commercially established segment within the UK hydrogen mobility market, encompassing municipal bus fleets, regional rail services, and other publicly-operated or regulated passenger transport systems, characterized by strong policy support, operational characteristics favoring hydrogen adoption, and meaningful deployment levels providing valuable real-world performance data and operational experience. Logistics operators represent perhaps the most commercially promising and strategically critical application segment within the UK hydrogen mobility market, encompassing companies operating commercial vehicle fleets for freight transportation, parcel delivery, warehousing, and distribution activities, characterized by high vehicle utilization, route predictability, centralized operations, and strong economic incentives to optimize total cost of ownership through fuel efficiency and operational productivity.

## Competitive Benchmarking

The UK hydrogen mobility market represents a transformative and rapidly evolving sector characterized by intense innovation, strategic partnerships, and a race to establish technological and commercial leadership in the emerging clean energy economy. This dynamic landscape encompasses a diverse ecosystem of participants, from global industrial gas giants with century-long legacies to agile startups pioneering novel hydrogen production and deployment models. These companies operate within an increasingly supportive policy environment driven by the UK government's ambitious net-zero commitments. The market structure reflects a complex interplay between established multinational corporations leveraging existing distribution networks and manufacturing capabilities, and innovative newcomers bringing disruptive technologies and business models to address the unique demands of zero-emission transport. Linde PLC and Air Liquide represent the industry's established powerhouses, operating as two of the world's largest industrial gas suppliers with extensive global hydrogen production capabilities, distribution networks, and decades of experience in industrial applications. Both companies are leveraging their substantial capital resources and technical expertise to expand into mobility applications, establishing hydrogen refueling infrastructure and partnering with major transport operators across the UK and Europe. Similarly, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc maintains a formidable competitive position as a global leader in hydrogen production and supply, with significant investments in large-scale green hydrogen projects and a strategic focus on heavy-duty transport applications that require reliable, high-volume fuel supply. Meanwhile, several companies have carved out distinctive competitive positions through specialized technologies and strategic market focus: Plug Power Inc. has emerged as a prominent international player with growing UK presence, distinguished by its integrated approach combining fuel cell technology, hydrogen production, and refueling infrastructure. AFC Energy holds a unique position as a British innovator specializing in alkaline fuel cell technology, with particular strength in off-grid and temporary power generation applications that support construction sites, events, and remote transport hubs requiring zero-emission energy solutions. GeoPura Ltd, another UK-based innovator, has established itself as a leading provider of hydrogen power units for temporary and off-grid applications, serving major events, film productions, and construction projects with reliable, scalable, and emissions-free mobile power generation systems. Additionally, several companies represent emerging competitive forces with targeted strategic approaches: Protium Green Solutions has positioned itself as a vertically integrated British developer focused on creating end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystems, encompassing production, storage, and distribution infrastructure specifically designed for UK transport and industrial applications. First Hydrogen operates as a specialized vehicle manufacturer and operator, developing hydrogen-powered light commercial vehicles and demonstrating real-world performance through pilot programs with major UK fleet operators. Ryze Power has carved out a distinctive niche by focusing on hydrogen fuel cell range extenders for heavy-duty vehicles, offering a pragmatic solution that enhances the operational range and flexibility of electric commercial vehicles without requiring complete fleet replacement. Statkraft AS, Europe's largest renewable energy generator, brings a unique competitive dimension through its renewable electricity generation capabilities that underpin green hydrogen production, positioning the Norwegian energy giant as a key enabler of sustainable hydrogen supply chains serving the UK mobility market through its substantial renewable energy portfolio and strategic investments in hydrogen infrastructure development.

## Recent News & Developments

In 2025, Plug Power has launched the industry’s first spot pricing model for green hydrogen, enabling customers to purchase fuel on demand without the need for long-term contracts.

In 2024, AFC Energy has launched Hyamtec, its ammonia-cracking subsidiary, and unveiled the “Hy-5” containerised ammonia-cracker system—a portable module designed to enable distributed hydrogen supply for mobility and industrial applications.

In 2025, Protium and ULEMCo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly accelerate the demand for green hydrogen fuel in transport applications. Although the partnership supports a broader nationwide vision, their immediate efforts will concentrate on Wales and South England—regions where Protium already operates its Pioneer 1 hydrogen production facility and is preparing to launch its second site, Pioneer 2.

## Report Scope

| Market Size 2024 | 13,904.53 (USD Thousand) |
| --- | --- |
| Market Size 2025 | 19,607.1 (USD Thousand) |
| Market Size 2035 | 1,64,400.1 (USD Thousand) |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 23.7 % (2025 - 2035) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Market Forecast Period | 2025 - 2035 |
| Historical Data | 2019 - 2023 |
| Market Forecast Units | USD Thousand |
| Key Companies Profiled | Protium, First Hydrogen, Linde PLC, AFC Energy, Air Liquide, Ryze Power, Plug Power Inc., Air Products and Chemicals, Inc, Statkraft AS, GeoPura Ltd and Others |
| Segments Covered | By Transport Type, By Conversion Technology, By Form, By Application |
| Key Market Opportunities | Heavy-duty freight & long-range transport; Development of Hydrogen Refueling Stations |
| Key Market Dynamics | Growing Power Transmission & Distribution Infrastructure; Expansion of Renewable Energy Integration |
| Countries Covered | US |

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