Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market

Report ID: GMI2375
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Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market Size

The global fuel cell electric vehicle market size was estimated at USD 6 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 6.9 billion in 2026 to USD 57.6 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 26.6% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market

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The market's growth is propelled by the increasing adoption of FCEVs in sectors such as public transportation, logistics, and passenger vehicles, owing to their long-range capabilities and quick refueling times. As governments adopt advantageous regulations, subsidies, and tax incentives to boost investor engagement in renewable energy production, many investors are exploring untapped markets, which is expected to support industry growth.

FCEV sales have been impacted negatively by supply chain-related issues around the world, but many major automotive manufacturers are building their hydrogen technology platforms faster than ever. Toyota expanded its initiatives by showcasing their latest fuel cell technologies and creating plans for production-level FCEV Class 8 trucks that will ultimately become part of their North American distribution network. This demonstrates Toyota's commitment to decarbonize commercial transport, as well as their plans to continue investing in developing infrastructure.

At the Seoul Mobility Show, Hyundai displayed their newest, second generation NEXO, which has an extended driving range and towing capacity. Additionally, Hyundai has begun deploying hydrogen-powered buses in numerous cities throughout Europe, which reinforces the viability of hydrogen-powered solutions as an alternative to diesel-powered trucks and buses/ public transit vehicles, and continues to demonstrate this through their ongoing commitment to clean mobility goals.

The COVID-19 pandemic initially severely disrupted the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) market through production halts and supply chain bottlenecks. During the initial outbreaks in 2020, manufacturing plants were shuttered, causing a precipitous drop in global sales. There has been a post-pandemic shift toward using fuel cells for heavy-duty trucks and buses rather than just passenger cars. FCEVs are seen as superior for long-haul logistics due to faster refueling and longer range compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Asia Pacific FCEV market owing to prominent government initiatives encouraging low-emission transportation options. The Chinese government announced incentives for firms developing core fuel cell technology to strengthen the country's position in the production of hydrogen-powered automobiles. Carmakers are increasingly using new technologies for fuel cell electric cars (FCEVs) and for commercial vehicles including construction equipment, thereby impelling regional business growth. In February 2023, Japan's Honda Motor Co. stated its plans to co-develop a new hydrogen fuel cell system with General Motors Co., to boost its hydrogen business.

North America's shift to hydrogen-powered vehicles and EVs is driving demand for advanced FCEV powertrains, with automakers investing in fuel cell systems and hydrogen storage solutions. Advancements in fuel cell stacks, electric motors, and power control units are driving regional growth, with manufacturers focusing on efficiency and modular designs for various vehicles. For instance, in April 2024, Cummins rolled out advanced fuel cell systems tailored for commercial trucks across North America, paving the way for fleet applications to achieve long-range, zero-emission operations.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market Trends

Increasing awareness of environmental concerns is driving growth in the fuel cell electric vehicle market. A greater emphasis on sustainability is leading consumers and governments to seek more environmentally sound forms of transportation. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) produce no tailpipe emissions, so as countries around the world encourage reducing greenhouse gas emissions, FCEVs have become increasingly attractive options. By 2025, the transportation industry is expected to account for roughly 14% of total emissions and has begun to shift towards alternatives such as FCEVs.

For the fuel cell electric vehicle market to continue growing, it is imperative that hydrogen fueling infrastructure grows. By 2025, the number of hydrogens refueling stations throughout the world will have dramatically increased, with estimates of over 1,500 stations. This is vital in alleviating "range anxiety" experienced by prospective FCEV purchasers, since the greater the number of fueling options available, the greater likelihood for consumer acceptance of FCEVs. Additionally, the partnerships now being forged between private and government entities to develop an extensive hydrogen network will do much to enhance the outlook of the fuel cell electric vehicle market.

The development of hydrogen fuelling stations and electric vehicle charging stations, which is a key focus of top industry players, coupled with significant government investment, is also predicted to propel business expansion. The California Energy Commission authorized USD 115 million investment plan to build up to 111 new hydrogen fuelling stations in the state by 2027 to serve hydrogen fuel cell electric cars (FCEVs). Similarly, in September 2021, GreenCore collaborated with Loop Energy to work on the design and implementation of hydrogen-powered fast-charging stations to combat "range anxiety" and increase the viability of electric vehicles.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market Analysis

Full Cell Electric Vehicle Market Size, By Vehicle, 2023 – 2035, (USD Billion)

Learn more about the key segments shaping this market

Based on vehicle, the fuel cell electric vehicle market is divided into passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and two & three wheelers. The passenger cars segment dominated the market accounting by 35% in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 27.8% from 2026 to 2035.

  • The commercial vehicle segment is rapidly becoming an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of fuel cell electric vehicles. With government programs and partnerships between private and public companies driving investments into freight, logistics, and public fleets, the need for long-range and fast refuel capabilities are primary focus areas. The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program will play an important role in supporting the deployment of FCEVs in the United States. For instance, The California Hub alone has USD 1.2 Billion allocated for implementation of FCEV technology in over 5000 fuel cell trucks.
  • Globally, Europe, Japan, South Korea and China are advancing pilot programs using hydrogen fuel cell trucks within municipal fleet operations and highways. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and first-tier suppliers are creating a cooperative environment to reduce costs through common stacks, modular fuel cell designs and shared refueling infrastructure throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. As logistics operators implement hydrogen-powered trucks into their daily operations, these efforts are vitally important.
  • Passenger vehicle segment still represents a potential growth in the market. The design of passenger FCEVs is developing rapidly as automakers are defining the best way to integrate these vehicles into everyday use while demonstrating next-generation powertrain efficiencies. The Honda CR-V e: FCEV, which is Honda's first plug-in hydrogen fuel cell vehicle sold in the United States, gives consumers the flexibility of charging their battery on the way home from work, or to refuel it with hydrogen when they take longer trips away from home.

Full Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Market Share, By Fuel Cell, 2025

Learn more about the key segments shaping this market

Based on fuel cell, the fuel cell electric vehicle market is categorized as proton exchange membrane, phosphoric acid fuel cell, and solid oxide fuel cell. Proton Exchange Membrane segments dominated the market with 62% share in 2025, and the segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.9% between 2026 to 2035.

  • PEM (Proton exchange membrane) fuel cell systems function at lower heat than conventional fuel cell systems which enable rapid start-ups, adapt better to frequent stops/starts in automotive applications, and require lower thermal management than high-temperature fuel cells. Targets published by the U.S. Department of Energy highlight how the technology is progressing, including peak efficiencies approaching the high-60% range for heavy-duty applications, durability expectations near 25,000 operating hours for commercial vehicles, and aggressive reductions in platinum group metal use to improve cost competitiveness while maintaining performance over long lifetimes.
  • On the other hand, SOFCs (Solid Oxide Fuel Cells), while originally designed for stationary power, have developed a significant base of experience that is providing an invaluable resource for mobility studies and research on future transportation systems. The majority of fuel cells currently installed globally come from SOFC technologies. Some major companies such as Bloom Energy, MAN Energy Solutions, and Mitsubishi power have completed major deployments that have helped provide a solid understanding of how to use SOFCs for stationary power applications.

Based on range, the fuel cell electric vehicle market is divided into short range, medium range, and long range. Medium Range dominate the market and was valued at USD 3.1 billion in 2025.

  • The mid-range category is ideal for vehicles where there needs to be a balance between costs associated with the vehicles themselves, storage requirements for hydrogen as fuel, and realistic operational situations for most commercial and passenger applications. Medium-range vehicles are especially well-suited for commercial applications due to the typical daily distances travelled by urban and regional delivery trucks, transit buses, and logistics/transportation.
  • Typical daily distances travelled by these types of vehicles are typically 250-400 miles. Mid-range vehicles is also in alignment with business models and economic considerations related to deploying hydrogen refueling infrastructure. To be profitable, hydrogen station operators are focused on achieving 100-200 vehicle 'fills' per day and, under normal usage scenarios, medium-range vehicles will provide such a refueling frequency every one to two days.
  • Short-range vehicles offer fleets with predictable limited-range operational requirements a lower cost per mile to operate through the minimization of hydrogen storage system weight and costs. Examples of such vehicles are urban delivery vans and last-mile logistics vehicles that generally operate within metropolitan areas daily.

Based on drive, the fuel cell electric vehicle market is divided into front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive. Front-Wheel Drive is the largest segment in market and were valued at USD 2.6 billion in 2025.

  • Front-Wheel Drive FCEV category mainly caters to compact and mid-size vehicles, where FWD design offers increased packaging efficiencies and cost savings on smaller platforms. The FWD design consolidates the fuel cell, hydrogen tank, power electronics, and traction motor at the front end of the vehicle, protecting the passenger area and cargo space. This is especially advantageous to smaller vehicles, where maximizing interior volume is paramount for customers. The Toyota Mirai's 2nd generation FCEV design uses a FWD configuration to optimize the use of interior space and provides a range of 350-400 miles.
  • The increase in the All-wheel drive FCEV category is directly correlated to the increasing number of FCEVs on the market, and the trend toward the growing number of passenger SUVs and high-end commercial vehicles. Using an AWD FCEV design allows for independent control of the front and rear motors, providing better traction and control without the mechanical complexity associated with using a mechanical transfer case. The demand for AWD capabilities is growing in the passenger vehicle market as consumer preferences have shifted toward SUVs and cross-over vehicles.

China Full Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Market Size, 2023 – 2035, (USD Billion)

Looking for region specific data?

The China dominated Asia-Pacific fuel cell electric vehicle market with revenue of USD 1.79 billion in 2025.

  • In terms of fuel cell technology and the vehicle market at large, Asia has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of globalization by heavily investing in public policy-oriented initiatives that have led to a rapid increase in both governmental (public) and private capital investments. The State Council of the People’s Republic of China has set out a national hydrogen energy program that targets the deployment of approximately 50,000 (FCEV's) vehicles to be in circulation by the end of 2025 while also establishing a comprehensive, integrated hydrogen refueling infrastructure throughout multiple provinces across China.
  • The Republic of Korea’s hydrogen strategy is ambitious with its plan to create/make available millions of FCEV's vehicles by the year 2040 through a combination of the establishment of numerous hydrogen stations and domestic production capabilities for hydrogen. Although Japan was established as a dominant player in this sector, Japan continues to maintain a major presence within Asia, with the Basic Hydrogen Strategy creating large-scale targets for the development of the hydrogen refueling station network and fuel cell vehicles by 2030, combined with long-term subsidies provided by the Japanese government in cooperation with its industrial partners.

US fuel cell electric vehicle market will grow tremendously with CAGR of 23.9% between 2026 and 2035.

  • The U.S. Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program (RCHHP) represents the largest federal investment in hydrogen to date with the establishment of USD 8 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The development of the California Hydrogen Hub with a total allocation of up to USD 1.2 billion aims to provide funding for at least 60 heavy-duty fueling stations as well as support for more than 5,000 fuel cell electric trucks and 1,000 fuel cell electric buses, which will create an overall commercial scale ecosystem for these hydrogen-powered vehicles.
  • Canadian provinces have begun to put resources into the development of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) focusing primarily on commercial transportation and public transit systems. British Columbia has a hydrogen strategy based on the availability of low-cost hydroelectricity needed to produce electrolytic hydrogen with subsidies provided by the provincial government to support the use of fuel cell buses in Vancouver and Victoria.

The Europe fuel cell electric vehicle market in Germany will experience robust growth during 2026-2035.

  • Germany's leadership reflects early hydrogen technology investments, strong automotive industry engagement (Daimler, BMW participation in fuel cell development), and government commitment to hydrogen economy as part of Energiewende energy transition strategy.  In 2030, the EU will implement its RePowerE u Strategy, which targets the production of 10 million tonnes of renewable domestic hydrogen and 10 million tonnes of imported renewable hydrogen as overall success indicators for the development of the German market.
  • In UK's hydrogen FCEV market, continued application of pre-Brexit hydrogen policies and the ability to pursue an independent hydrogen strategy based on reducing hydrogen production costs and establishing the infrastructure necessary to support commercial vehicle applications has created a stable foundation. Several of the largest logistics companies and bus companies in London, Birmingham and Manchester have been trialing fuel cell vehicles, while Transport for London is currently testing hydrogen-powered buses on some of their routes.

The Brazil will experience robust growth of 20.8% between 2026 and 2035.

  • Brazil is utilizing hydrogen as an essential part of its decarbonization agenda and manufacturing competitiveness, which will provide a framework for future hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) use. In conjunction with the National Policy for Low Carbon Hydrogen outlined in Law 14.948/2024, this is accompanied by a framework established to promote the Development of FCEVs and includes the creation of the Rehidro Incentive Program that will provide exemptions from PIS/Pasep and Cofins for five years to support the viability of low carbon hydrogen production.
  • The Mexican FCEV market is still in the early and experimental stages with very limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure in place and only a handful of FCEVs (i.e., hydrogen-powered electric vehicles) currently operating in Mexico. However, due to its high level of interdependence with the U.S. automotive and logistics systems under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), there is significant potential to grow the hydrogen economy in Mexico over the next 10 years, as the U.S. develops its hydrogen economy.

UAE fuel cell electric vehicle market will grow tremendously with CAGR of 26.9% between 2026 and 2035.

  • The UAE is also emerging as the second largest LSV market within the MENA region, holding 32.8% of the total LSV end-use markets in the MENA region. The two largest regional markets, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are deploying fleets of autonomous LSVs to support their smart city initiatives and NEOM project by 2030. Therefore, there will be a tremendous opportunity for LSVs in MENA due to the large demand by luxury hotels and leisure industry for LSVs that are air conditioned, have high-end interiors, and operate quietly.
  • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be primarily driven by the Vision 2030 giga projects, including NEOM, the Arabian Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. All these projects will require large LSVs for construction, operations, and transport of guests. Additionally, Hajj and Umrah create significant demand for the deployment of heavy-duty electric (HDE) LSVs to transport the elderly and disabled pilgrims

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market Share

  • The top 7 companies in the market are Toyota Motor, Honda Motor, Hyundai Motor Company, Cummins, Daimler, Iveco, and Nikola. These companies hold around 52% of the market share in 2025.
  • Honda was the first manufacturer to introduce hydrogen-fueled vehicles (FCEVs) and most of the company's activity around hydrogen fuel cell technology is focused on the clarity fuel cell vehicle. The company is also working to improve the availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in Europe through initiatives like H2 Mobility in Germany and the UK, which enhance the convenience of hydrogen refueling and help to promote the use of FCEVs in Europe.
  • Hyundai Motor Company has been rapidly expanding its hydrogen vehicle offerings in Europe, including the NEXO hydrogen SUV and other hydrogen- powered commercial vehicles like the XCIENT truck. Hyundai has worked with both European governments and private companies to create hydrogen corridors for the transportation of hydrogen fuel and has developed a network of hydrogen refueling stations.
  • BMW  sees hydrogen fuel cell technology as an important long-term strategy to complement battery electric vehicles. The BMW Group has recently introduced the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, a limited-edition hydrogen fuel cell vehicle developed on the platform of the BMW X5 SUV in cooperation with Toyota.
  • Toyota Motor is a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology on a worldwide basis and plays a critical role within the European FCEV industry. The company has gained a reputation as one of the first mass-market producers of hydrogen-powered cars with its Toyota Mirai, which is becoming increasingly popular in the European market for its extended range and rapid refueling capabilities.
  • Cummins is focused on developing hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) for the commercial vehicle and industrial sectors and uses its existing customer relationships and distribution channels in the diesel engine space to promote the adoption of FCEVs. Cummins has a significant amount of experience and market share in the North American transit bus sector where state and federal regulations will ultimately drive the need for zero-emission vehicles.
  • Daimler Truck has developed the GenH2 heavy-duty fuel cell truck program with a goal of having a driving range of at least 1,000 km using liquid hydrogen and targeting long-haul trucking applications where the benefits of fuel cell technology over battery electric vehicles are significant. Along with Volvo Group, the two companies are working together through their joint venture Cellcentric to develop and produce hydrogen fuel cells for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
  • The Iveco  has recently announced its intention to develop FCEV trucks specifically for use in the European logistics industry, with a plan for initial deliveries to occur between 2025 and 2027, but the company has also established a solid dealer network and strong market presence in the European commercial vehicle industry.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market Companies

Major players operating in the fuel cell electric vehicle industry include:

  • Ballard Power Systems
  • BMW
  • Bosch
  • Daimler
  • General Motors Company
  • Honda Motor
  • Hyundai Motor Company
  • PowerCell Sweden
  • Toyota Motor
  • Volkswagen
  • The FCEV (fuel cell electric vehicle) market has seen robust growth due to the rapid advancement in technology, growth of hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and growing demand for green alternatives to gas-powered vehicles. Advances in fuel cell efficiency, hydrogen oxygen (H2/O2) storage technology, and the creation of a hydrogen economy have resulted in significant interest in FCEVs.
  • Moreover, the ever-growing number of manufacturers producing vehicles powered by fuel cells, coupled with the need for increased focus on developing a sustainable automotive marketplace, has caused significant advancements in the technology that drives fuel cell vehicles. Recent research has shown that the use of low-cost high-performance catalyst materials, like PGM-free catalysts, significantly reduce costs associated with fuel cell production and improve the efficiency of fuel cells.
  • Further advancements in material sciences, including solid-state hydrogen (H2) storage systems and advances in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), have increased the amount of fuel consumed per mile and provided longer driving ranges for vehicles powered by fuel cells. All these advances make FCEVs a feasible option to replace internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Collaboration between automakers, energy companies, and government bodies is key to scaling hydrogen infrastructure and promoting the development of FCEVs. Strategic efforts, like between Toyota and Shell to build hydrogen refueling stations, are paving the transition toward a sustainable hydrogen economy.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Industry News

  • In September 2025, Toyota joined the TOKYO H2 Project, an initiative focused on making Tokyo a global leader in hydrogen mobility. As part of the project, Toyota took the Crown to add to the fuel cell taxi fleet in Tokyo and renovated the related hydrogen information center showing that they support the advancement of urban adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles or FCEVs in Tokyo and the nation as a whole.
  • In May 2025, Fontaine Modification led a consortium with Ballard Power Systems, Forsee Power and Linamar to build a Class 6 fuel cell electric truck. The focus of the collaboration is to expedite the rollout of commercial fuel cell electric vehicles in the medium-duty class and showcase how hydrogen technology will be utilized for long-haul logistics and fleet operations.
  • In October 2024, Hyundai revealed their INITIUM hydrogen fuel cell electric concept vehicle at the 2020 SEMA Show. The addition of the INITIAL product is another step in demonstrating Hyundai's commitment to developing and promoting hydrogen-powered vehicles. The introduction of this concept vehicle also confirms Hyundai's plans for expanding its portfolio of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and to continue to support the rapid deployment of commercial and passenger hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
  • In September 2024, BMW announced plans to produce its first production series fuel cell electric vehicle by 2028. The production series fuel cell electric vehicle will reinforce BMW's long-term commitment to hydrogen mobility and the competitive positioning against its competitors in developing hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles within the new emerging passenger FCEV market alongside existing battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The fuel cell electric vehicle market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & revenue ($Bn) and volume (Units) from 2022 to 2035, for the following segments:

Market, By Vehicle

  • Passenger Cars
    • Sedans
    • Hatchbacks
    • SUVs
  • Commercial Vehicles
    • Light commercial vehicles (LCV)
    • Medium commercial vehicles (MCV)
    • Heavy commercial vehicles (HCV)
  • Two & Three Wheelers

Market, By Fuel Cell

  • Proton exchange membrane
  • Phosphoric acid fuel cell
  • Solid oxide fuel cell 

Market, By Range 

  • Short Range (Below 250 Miles)
  • Medium Range (250 - 500 Miles)
  • Long Range (Above 500 Miles)

Market, By Drive

  • Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
  • Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
  • All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Market, By Application

  • Personal use
  • Commercial fleet
    • Last-mile delivery
    • Logistics & freight
    • Ride-hailing & shared mobility
  • Public transportation
  • Industrial & material handling
  • Government & infrastructure projects

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • US
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • UK
    • Germany
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Belgium
    • Netherlands
    • Sweden
    • Russia
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • Singapore
    • South Korea
    • Vietnam
    • Indonesia
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • MEA
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
Author: Preeti Wadhwani, Aishwarya Ambekar
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :

Who are the key players in the fuel cell electric vehicle industry?+

Key players include Ballard Power Systems, BMW, Bosch, Daimler, General Motors Company, Honda Motor, Hyundai Motor Company, PowerCell Sweden, Toyota Motor, and Volkswagen.

What are the upcoming trends in the fuel cell electric vehicle market?+

Expansion of hydrogen fueling infrastructure, public–private partnerships, FCEV technology advancements, and increased government investment in renewable energy.

Which region leads the fuel cell electric vehicle sector?+

China led the Asia-Pacific market with revenue of USD 1.79 billion in 2025. The region's growth is driven by significant public and private investments and a national hydrogen energy program targeting 50,000 FCEVs by 2025.

What was the valuation of the Front-Wheel Drive segment in 2025?+

The Front-Wheel Drive segment was valued at USD 2.6 billion in 2025, catering primarily to compact and mid-size vehicles due to its packaging efficiency and cost-saving benefits.

How much revenue did the passenger cars segment generate in 2025?+

The passenger cars segment accounted for 35% of the market in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 27.8% up to 2035.

What was the market share of the Proton Exchange Membrane segment in 2025?+

The Proton Exchange Membrane segment dominated the market with a 62% share in 2025 and is set to expand at a CAGR of 28.9% till 2035.

What is the expected size of the fuel cell electric vehicle industry in 2026?+

The market size is projected to reach USD 6.9 billion in 2026.

What is the projected value of the fuel cell electric vehicle market by 2035?+

The market is poised to reach USD 57.6 billion by 2035, supported by advancements in hydrogen fueling infrastructure and favorable government policies promoting renewable energy.

What is the market size of the fuel cell electric vehicle in 2025?+

The market size was estimated at USD 6 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 26.6% expected through 2035. The growth is driven by increasing adoption of FCEVs in public transportation, logistics, and passenger vehicles.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Market Scope

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