In a new report, Navigant Research forecasts that the annual sales of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), both cars and buses, will exceed 228,000 by 2024. While the performance of FCVs makes them ready for commercial launch, the industry is still focused on the two key requirements for larger-scale market introduction, Navigant says: driving down vehicle costs to be competitive with battery and hybrid vehicle technology; and developing the hydrogen infrastructure necessary to fuel the vehicles. Annual fuel cell car and bus sales to exceed 228,000 by 2024, says Navigant Press release, December 2; “Commercial FCVs are finally available to drivers in select markets, with early indications of real customer interest and signs that manufacturers are getting serious about pricing FCVs to compete at the premium-vehicle level. Automakers serious about fuel cell technology are expected to tackle the fuelling infrastructure problem head on, with much needed investments in station buildout.” Says one report, titled Fuel Cell Vehicles. The report also notes that there has been an increase in demand from customers who want more fuel-efficient vehicles, but don’t necessarily need or even like electric cars. To facilitate the creation of FCV infrastructure, automakers are collaborating with new partners in retail fuelling and hydrogen supply.
In a new report, Navigant Research forecasts that the annual sales of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), both cars and buses, will exceed 228,000 by 2024. While the performance of FCVs makes them ready for commercial launch, the industry is still focused on the two key requirements for larger-scale market introduction, Navigant says: driving down vehicle costs to be competitive with battery and hybrid vehicle technology; and developing the hydrogen infrastructure necessary to fuel the vehicles. “Commercial FCVs are finally available to drivers in select markets, with early indications of real customer interest and signs that manufacturers are getting serious about pricing FCVs to compete at the premium-vehicle level. Automakers serious about fuel cell technology are expected to tackle the fuelling infrastructure problem head on, with much needed investments in station buildout.” Says one report, titled Fuel Cell Vehicles. The report also notes that there has been an increase in demand from customers who want more fuel-efficient vehicles, but don’t necessarily need or even like electric cars. To facilitate the creation of FCV infrastructure, automakers are collaborating with new partners in retail fuelling and hydrogen supply.