HYDROGEN: Is the UK taxi industry ready for a new fuel era?
Hydrogen-powered vehicles have been touted as a potential game-changer in the move towards greener transportation. But with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) currently dominating the conversation, the viability of hydrogen as a fuel for the UK’s taxi fleet raises several important questions.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles rely on fuel cells that convert hydrogen gas into electricity, emitting only water vapour. The appeal lies in their ability to combine zero-emission operation with refuelling times comparable to conventional petrol or diesel cars. Despite this, the adoption of hydrogen-powered taxis in the UK remains limited, with only a handful of cities experimenting with the technology.
The main barrier to widespread use in the UK is infrastructure. Hydrogen refuelling stations are sparse, with fewer than 15 operational sites nationwide. This scarcity significantly limits the practicality of hydrogen taxis, especially in areas where drivers require quick access to refuelling facilities to maximise their time on the road. Without substantial investment in infrastructure, the idea of hydrogen-powered taxis becoming commonplace remains a distant prospect.
Elsewhere in the world, hydrogen taxis are making more significant inroads. Japan, a leader in hydrogen technology, has introduced fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as part of its taxi fleet, particularly in Tokyo. The Government’s investment in hydrogen infrastructure has enabled this progress, with Japan aiming to become a hydrogen-powered economy.
South Korea has also embraced hydrogen, deploying Hyundai NEXO FCEVs in its taxi fleets. In Europe, hydrogen taxis are gaining traction in cities such as Paris and Copenhagen. In these regions, targeted support for green initiatives and partnerships between private companies and public authorities have facilitated the growth of hydrogen refuelling networks. France, in particular, has ambitious plans to expand its hydrogen taxi fleet, with over 1,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles operating under private and public operators.
The bus and coach sectors demonstrate the potential of hydrogen-powered transport. In the UK, cities like London, Aberdeen, and Birmingham are trialling hydrogen buses as part of larger efforts to decarbonise public transport. These vehicles benefit from high passenger capacities and predictable routes, making refuelling logistics more manageable. In Aberdeen, a fleet of hydrogen buses operates alongside a dedicated refuelling station, offering a glimpse of what a hydrogen-powered transport network could look like.
Internationally, hydrogen buses are well-established in countries like China, which operates thousands of hydrogen-powered buses, particularly in urban areas. The scalability and environmental benefits of hydrogen are key drivers for its adoption in public transport. However, buses have an operational advantage over taxis in that they typically follow fixed routes, allowing refuelling stations to be strategically located. This consistency reduces the infrastructure challenge compared to the needs of a dispersed taxi fleet.
Hydrogen is also finding use in heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), with companies in Europe and the US piloting hydrogen-powered lorries. These industries highlight hydrogen’s viability for long-distance and high-load applications, areas where BEVs face significant limitations due to battery weight and range concerns.
The technology itself is not without challenges. Hydrogen production is energy-intensive, and most hydrogen is still derived from natural gas, which limits its environmental benefits. Developing “green hydrogen” from renewable sources remains costly and requires further investment.
For the UK taxi sector, hydrogen remains an interesting but currently impractical option. Infrastructure investment is essential before widespread adoption could be considered. While hydrogen taxis operate successfully in other countries, the UK has yet to create an environment where such vehicles could thrive.
The next steps for the UK would involve coordinated action between government and private stakeholders to address infrastructure, cost, and production challenges. Until then, hydrogen is likely to remain on the periphery of the UK taxi sector, with BEVs continuing to dominate the shift towards cleaner, greener transport.
