Global Automotive Fuel Cell Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2024-2032)

Automotive Fuel Cell Market Growth

A fuel cell is a device that converts chemical energy of a fuel into electrical energy using electrochemical reactions. Automotive fuel cells are used to provide power to the vehicle’s electric motor and generally use a solid electrolyte with low temperature conducting hydrogen ions. Although similar to batteries, automotive fuel cells do not require charging and help reduce vehicle emissions and control environmental problems.

As per the automotive fuel cell market dynamics and trends, benefits associated with the use of automotive fuel cells such as fast refuelling, zero air pollutants, noiseless operation, high driving range, and zero greenhouse gas emissions, among other factors, are increasing the demand for the automotive fuel cells globally.

Read more about this report - REQUEST FREE SAMPLE COPY IN PDF

Automotive Fuel Cell Market Trends

Governments worldwide are taking initiatives to improve the supply of hydrogen and overcome the challenges such as leakage and durability, among other issues. Increasing demand for hydrogen is leading to improvements in the supply chain, thereby supporting the growth of the automotive fuel cell market.

The demand for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and buses is growing globally. With increasing populations, urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, and improvements in road infrastructure, the heightened demand for automobiles is anticipated to fuel the market for automotive fuel cells.

Recent Developments

Honda will begin manufacturing hydrogen-powered vehicles in the United States in 2024, with a new hydrogen variant of the CR-V. This aligns with Honda's goal to phase out combustion engines by 2040. The hydrogen-powered CR-V will offer a blend of plug-in and hydrogen fuel cell capabilities, providing flexibility for daily commutes and longer drives and boosting the automotive fuel cell demand. Honda's investment reflects its dedication to making hydrogen an accessible and sustainable energy source for American consumers, despite challenges such as limited fueling infrastructure.

Industry Outlook

Total sales of passenger vehicles in India rose from 3,069,523 to 3,890,114 units. The sales of passenger cars grew from 1,467,039 to 1,747,376 units, utility vehicles increased from 1,489,219 to 2,003,718 units, and van sales went up from 113,265 to 139,020 units during the fiscal year 2022-23, in comparison to the prior year, which contributed to the growth of the automotive fuel cell industry. In the commercial vehicle segment, overall sales experienced an increase from 716,566 to 962,468 units. The sales of medium and heavy commercial vehicles rose from 240,577 to 359,003 units, while light commercial vehicle sales increased from 475,989 to 603,465 units in the fiscal year 2022-23, compared to the previous year, which boosted the demand for fuel cells.

As per the automotive fuel cell industry analysis, the EV sector continues to experience strong growth in the global market. In 2023, global EV sales reached nearly 14 million, representing 18% of all vehicles sold, and this number is expected to climb to approximately 17 million in 2024. By region, EVs are forecasted to make up nearly 45% of new car sales in China, 25% in Europe, and over 11% in the U.S. Key drivers include price drops in battery production, greater model variety, and ongoing government incentives, though some countries have begun to phase out subsidies.

Technological advancements and government incentives are supporting market growth.

• Technological advancements in fuel cell design and efficiency drive market growth.
• Fuel cells offer significant environmental benefits by reducing emissions.
• Government incentives and subsidies support the adoption of automotive fuel cells.
• Fuel cells provide high energy efficiency compared to traditional combustion engines, which enhances automotive fuel cell industry revenue.
• Growing investments in fuel cell technology enhance research and development.

High production costs and infrastructure limitations may impact the market growth.

• High production costs of fuel cells remain a significant barrier to market growth.
• Infrastructure limitations for hydrogen refuelling stations hinder widespread adoption.
• Challenges related to hydrogen storage and transportation affect market expansion.
• Limited consumer awareness about fuel cell technology slows market penetration.
• Competition from other green technologies, such as electric vehicles, impacts demand of automotive fuel cell market.

Advancements in hydrogen production, regulatory support, and increasing demand for clean energy is driving the market growth.

• Emerging markets present significant growth opportunities for automotive fuel cells.
• Advancements in hydrogen production methods reduce costs and increase availability.
• Partnerships with automotive manufacturers accelerate the commercialization of fuel cells.
• Regulatory support for clean energy solutions boosts market adoption as well as automotive fuel cell demand growth.
• Increasing demand for clean energy sources drives the growth of the fuel cell market.

Read more about this report - REQUEST FREE SAMPLE COPY IN PDF

Automotive Fuel Cell Industry Segmentation

Based on component, the automotive fuel cell market is segmented into fuel stack, fuel processor, power conditioner, air compressor, and humidifier. On the basis of power output, the market is divided into below 150 KW, 150-250 KW, and above 250 KW. By vehicle type, the market is categorised into passenger cars, bus, light commercial vehicles, and trucks. The regional markets for automotive fuel cells are North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

Automotive Fuel Cell Market Share by Vehicle Type

Passenger car vehicle types are anticipated to hold a sizable portion of the automotive fuel cell market share and grow at a CAGR of 56.5% in the forecast period owing to the growing demand for personal mobility and high adoption rate by a number of consumers. Increasing urbanisation, development of road infrastructure, and rising disposable incomes are surging the sale of passenger cars. Automotive fuel cells provide efficiency, extended driving range, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions which further enhance their demand among end users. The low operational costs and hassle-free operations of passenger cars with automotive fuel cells are also augmenting their demand.

Read more about this report - REQUEST FREE SAMPLE COPY IN PDF

Automotive Fuel Cell Market Regional Analysis

The Asia Pacific is expected to account for a significant share of the global automotive fuel cell market during the forecast period. India, China, and Japan are expected to grow at CAGRs of 53.9%, 55.0%, and 51.7% between 2024 and 2032. This can be attributed to the rising demand for private transportation and buses as well as the considerable manufacturing base for vehicle production. Within the Asia Pacific, countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China are anticipated to bolster the regional market for automotive fuel cells.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the market for automotive fuel cells is expected to grow significantly due to the high adoption rate of technology. Germany and the UK are expected to have CAGRs of 57.8% and 56.1% in the forecast period. Manufacturers of vehicles are focussing more on the research and development of the components used in the vehicles, increasing the demand for automotive fuel cells. The rising popularity of luxury vehicles and high-premium vehicles in countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany is also fuelling the automotive fuel cell market in Europe.

Competitive Landscape

Ballard Power Systems Inc., founded in 1979, has its headquarters in British Columbia, Canada. The company focuses on providing clean energy and fuel cell solutions by developing and manufacturing proton exchange membrane fuel cell products. They serve heavy duty motive markets along with other markets including engineering services, portable power, and material handling, among others.

• Ballard Power Systems is a leading player in fuel cell technology, specializing in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells that can fuel automotive fuel cell market value. 
• The company focuses on innovation and offers fuel cell solutions for heavy-duty vehicles, including buses, trucks, and trains. 
• Ballard has strong partnerships with various global OEMs and is leveraging its decades of experience to capture a significant share of the automotive fuel cell market. Its strategy emphasizes scaling production to reduce costs, but it faces competition from firms with greater capital resources.

Ceres Power Holdings plc is a fuel cell technology and engineering company which was established in 2004 and is headquartered in West Sussex, United Kingdom. The company develops power generation and hydrogen technologies which help in tackling climate change. They have developed electrolysers for green hydrogen and fuel cells for power generation.

• Ceres Power is a technology developer that focuses on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Its unique technology is aimed at both transportation and stationary power generation markets, which boosts automotive fuel cell market opportunities. 
• Ceres has formed partnerships with key automotive players like Bosch and Weichai Power, strengthening its market presence. 
• Ceres differentiates itself by offering a fuel-flexible solution that can run on multiple fuels, including hydrogen and natural gas. However, the company’s focus on SOFC technology places it in a niche segment of the fuel cell market, where competition with PEM technology leaders is fierce.

Robert Bosch GmbH was founded in 1886 and has its headquarters located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. A multinational engineering company, Robert Bosch offers consumers home appliances, auto spare parts, and other industrial and business products. They focus on meeting people’s requirements in the future by identifying the global megatrends now.

• Bosch has made significant strides in the market through strategic partnerships and investments in hydrogen technology, which enhances automotive fuel cell market revenue.
• Known for its robust engineering capabilities, Bosch has expanded into the fuel cell domain by offering powertrain solutions for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. 
• The company's strong R&D and large-scale manufacturing capability give it a competitive edge, particularly in Europe. Bosch aims to position itself as a key supplier of fuel cell components, offering an advantage in markets with stringent emissions regulations.

Plug Power Inc

• Plug Power has a growing presence in the hydrogen economy, focusing on fuel cell systems for light commercial vehicles and logistics applications. 
• With its expertise in hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure, Plug Power is expanding its market reach which can impact automotive fuel cell demand forecast. 
• The company’s focus on the green hydrogen supply chain gives it a competitive advantage, especially as the demand for sustainable energy solutions rises. However, it primarily serves the commercial vehicle market, which limits its exposure to the broader automotive market compared to its competitors.

Toyota Motor Corporation

• Toyota is one of the first automakers to commercialize fuel cell vehicles with its flagship model, the Toyota Mirai. 
• The company’s extensive experience in hybrid and fuel cell technologies makes it a leader in this space. Toyota is focused on both passenger and commercial fuel cell vehicles, aiming to scale production and make fuel cells more cost competitive. 
• Its vertical integration and substantial investment in hydrogen infrastructure further enhance its market position.