Fleets should back new calls for the UK government to match EU targets aimed at creating at least one hydrogen filling station for every 120 miles of major road by 2030, FleetCheck says.

The fleet software specialist believes this level of ambition of network expansion is needed if vehicle operators are to maximise the potential of all possible zero emissions fuel choices.

Peter Golding, CEO at FleetCheck, said: “At a hydrogen summit last week, BMW said that they won’t bring their new fuel cell model to the UK because of the lack of infrastructure, and called for the UK to show the same kind of commitment as the EU.

“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.”

Hydrogen especially appeared to have appeal for commercial vehicle operators, he added, where the adoption of battery electric vehicles was proving slow due to compromises around range and payload.

“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.”

UK fleets would benefit from a more balanced government approach that promoted a range of zero emissions fuel options, he added.

“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.”