In a joint letter to the European Union (EU) member states, Hydrogen Europe and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) voiced concerns on the status of discussions regarding the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).

Specifically, the two associations expressed their apprehension over the insufficient goals of Council of the EU’s deployment targets for hydrogen refueling and electricity recharging stations in road transport.

ACEA and Hydrogen Europe urge member states to demonstrate the greater determination to deploy hydrogen refueling stations and support the minimal national targets as set by the European Parliament. Those targets include:

• One hydrogen refueling station every 100 km on both the Trans-European Transport Network core and comprehensive networks.

• At least one 700-bar dispenser on each hydrogen refueling station.

• One hydrogen refueling station for liquid hydrogen every 400 km.

• At least one hydrogen refueling station in each urban node.

• Infrastructure on core network and in urban nodes to be in place December 31, 2027.

Recent announcements from several vehicle manufacturers indicate approximtely 50,000 hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles will be in operation in Europe by the end of the decade, if framework conditions and refueling infrastructure are in place.

When proposed flanking legislation is enacted, the operation of fossil fuel-powered commercial vehicles will be progressively disincentivized and discouraged, according to the associations.

“The ambition set by industry stakeholders for a swift market uptake of hydrogen-powered vehicles must now be matched with a similar ambition level in AFIR to ensure the necessary hydrogen refueling infrastructure becomes available,” said the joint letter.

The ACEA represents Europe’s 16 major car, truck, van and bus makers. The 400-member Hydrogen Europe speaks on behalf of the hydrogen industry and its stakeholders to promote hydrogen as an enabler of a zero-emission society.