Hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (ICE) could play a pivotal role in the UK’s transition to zero-emission transport, according to a new report from the Government-backed Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).

The study, titled “Hydrogen Landscape for Automotive Insight Report”, explores how hydrogen ICE technology could decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), and fleet operations.

Plug or pump

While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) dominate the public narrative around clean mobility, experts argue that hydrogen technologies offer crucial benefits where BEVs face limitations, including long refuelling times, reduced range under heavy loads, and infrastructure constraints.

“The energy transition will not be a one-size-fits-all solution,” said Philippa Oldham, Stakeholder Engagement Director at the APC. “Hydrogen technologies will play a significant role in the more challenging areas of transport. We must ensure the sector attracts investment and is supported by policy to help the UK lead in hydrogen ICE innovation.”

 

Hydrogen ICE vs Fuel Cells

Unlike hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction, hydrogen ICEs closely resemble traditional diesel engines.

They can be retrofitted to existing vehicle platforms, maintain similar drivetrains and cooling systems, and deliver rapid refuelling and high performance.

Though they emit trace amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) due to hydrocarbon lubricants, they produce near-zero carbon emissions.

According to the APC, with the correct after-treatment technologies, hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICEs) can reduce CO₂ emissions by 99.95% and overall greenhouse gas warming potential by 99.9% compared to conventional Stage V diesel engines.

However, the low but present NOx emissions may pose a regulatory barrier, particularly post-2035, when the UK is set to ban new petrol and diesel vehicle sales.

Considering the EU’s 2040 goal of a 90% reduction in carbon emissions, compared to the UK’s policy, the adoption of hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICEs) in commercial and heavy-duty segments leaves more room for growth on the continent.

VHS vs Betamax

The promise of hydrogen vehicles in the UK faces a critical roadblock: infrastructure.

FleetCheck, a leading fleet management software provider, has joined the growing chorus calling on the UK government to match the EU’s ambition to build a hydrogen refuelling station every 120 miles of major road by 2030.

“BMW has already said it won’t bring its new hydrogen fuel cell model to the UK because of the lack of infrastructure,” said Peter Golding, CEO of FleetCheck. “We risk being left behind, even as fleets show growing interest in hydrogen for commercial vehicles.”

The Vauxhall Vivaro-e Hydrogen, for example, offers 250 miles of range with a five-minute refuelling time, making it a compelling zero-emission alternative to electric vans.

However, with only a handful of hydrogen stations currently operating in the UK, widespread adoption remains impractical unless significant investment follows.

As of early 2025, the UK has just 15 public hydrogen refuelling stations, compared to over 17,000 electric charging points.

Without dramatic network expansion, hydrogen vehicles will remain out of reach for most operators, despite offering a fast, clean, efficient and economic alternative to electric vehicles.

Backup needed

Hydrogen is gaining traction globally.

In 2023, the UK Government announced a Hydrogen Strategy that pledged up to 10 GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030, but most of this is targeted at industrial applications rather than transportation.

Dr Hadi Moztarzadeh, Head of Technology Trends at the APC, believes that now is the time for policymakers to act.

“Battery technologies alone cannot decarbonise HDVs and off-highway sectors. Hydrogen ICE offers a near-term solution, especially when considering emissions across the vehicle lifecycle — not just at the tailpipe.”

He added that beyond domestic benefits, hydrogen ICE technologies could create valuable export opportunities for the UK, particularly as Europe increasingly favours hydrogen for heavy-duty applications.

 

Two-way future

At a recent hydrogen mobility summit hosted by BMW, David Wong, Head of Technology and Innovation at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), warned the UK risks “putting all its eggs in one basket” by focusing solely on BEVs.

The APC is now calling on the automotive sector to collaborate on funding pathways, innovation projects, and policy shaping to support both hydrogen ICE and fuel cell technologies.

Stakeholders are encouraged to engage in exploratory conversations that could unlock the next phase of hydrogen transport development.

As the UK moves towards a zero-emissions future, a diverse mix of technologies — including hydrogen — may be the key to a truly inclusive, scalable, and sustainable transport network.

Hydrogen also represents an opportunity to diversify from the growing reliance on ‘rare earth minerals’, which are currently primarily controlled by China, and the mining of essential battery ingredients from less stable countries.

Mining for these is also regarded as highly polluting, as well as utilising cheap labour in deplorable working conditions in order to service the Western appetite for new technology.