Hydrogen truck group H2Accelerate is calling for a European funding mechanism so hydrogen vehicles can compete with diesel on total cost of ownership (TCO).
The partnership – which includes Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, Linde, TEAL Mobility and TotalEnergies – has proposed a temporary support scheme to give operators certainty over costs through a vehicle’s working life.
This TCO Parity Certainty Mechanism would cover any remaining cost difference between hydrogen and diesel trucks after existing subsidies, road toll exemptions and renewable fuel incentives have been taken into account.
As part of the proposal, funding would be awarded through competitive tenders, with support potentially linked to hydrogen consumption or kilometres travelled.
It would therefore reward vehicles actually being operated rather than simply subsidising their purchase.
The programme would also target zero-tailpipe-emission HGVs of 30 tonnes and above and support cross-border operations along important European transport corridors.
H2Accelerate said the mechanism should work alongside existing national incentives, providing additional support only where necessary to achieve cost parity.
In addition, funding would gradually reduce as hydrogen technology and infrastructure become more competitive.
According to H2Accelerate, the mechanism could be introduced through the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework, which covers 2028 to 2034.
The proposal is published in the third and final paper in H2Accelerate’s recent series of policy recommendations for hydrogen-powered heavy trucks.
Charles Cambournac, Managing Director at Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility Germany, said: “Providing long-term certainty around TCO parity would give customers greater confidence to commit to hydrogen trucking at scale.
“That demand is also critical for giving vehicle manufacturers, hydrogen suppliers and refuelling station operators the certainty needed to make their own investments.”
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