Germany’s hydrogen mobility infrastructure is experiencing a decisive pivot toward heavy-duty transport applications, as recent operational data from H2 Mobility indicates growing demand for 350-bar refueling — the standard pressure used by buses and trucks — outpacing that of passenger vehicles.
The company’s March 2025 analysis revealed that sales of hydrogen dispensed at 350 bar have overtaken those at 700 bar, a trend driven by the accelerating adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in commercial logistics and public transport fleets.
According to H2 Mobility, absolute hydrogen sales rose by 10% year-on-year in March, with the lion’s share now moving through refueling systems built for the lower-pressure, high-capacity tanks used in heavy vehicles. The infrastructure operator, responsible for one of Europe’s largest hydrogen station networks, attributes this shift to the maturing business case for fuel cell trucks and buses — segments where range requirements, payload considerations, and rapid refueling needs render battery-electric alternatives less competitive.
Strategic Network Reconfiguration Underway
In response, H2 Mobility announced in mid-March a strategic overhaul of its network, prioritizing upgrades to accommodate 350-bar dispensing infrastructure. This involves modifications such as higher canopies to accommodate taller truck cabs, increased onsite hydrogen storage capacities, and operational enhancements to enable faster, large-volume fills.
The operator’s decision reflects the growing divergence in hydrogen infrastructure requirements between passenger and commercial vehicles. While private hydrogen car adoption remains sluggish across Europe due to vehicle costs, limited model availability, and the density of battery-electric charging infrastructure, hydrogen’s operational profile continues to align well with logistics, municipal transport, and specialized industrial applications.
The strategic reorientation is also closely aligned with recent policy signals. Jüngel cited the incoming German federal government’s commitment to scaling hydrogen refueling infrastructure for commercial transport — reaffirmed in coalition agreements and recent legislative proposals — as validation of the company’s network investment strategy.
Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy calls for at least 400 publicly accessible hydrogen refueling stations by 2030, with a significant share tailored to heavy-duty transport. Current projections suggest that 350-bar refueling points will represent a growing proportion of that infrastructure, driven by fleet operators prioritizing fuel cell drivetrains for high-utilization, long-range operations where zero-emission compliance is increasingly mandated.
Commercial Vehicle Segment Leading Adoption Curve
This trend mirrors wider European market dynamics, where fuel cell trucks and buses are steadily gaining traction. Industry data from the Hydrogen Council and McKinsey indicates that while light-duty fuel cell vehicle registrations have plateaued, heavy-duty sector commitments — including procurement frameworks from major logistics firms and public transport authorities — are steadily expanding.
Operators cite hydrogen’s energy density, fast refueling times, and payload preservation advantages over battery-electric solutions for certain operational profiles. As such, infrastructure providers like H2 Mobility are recalibrating their asset bases to match the sector’s realignment.
The company’s reported 10% year-on-year increase in hydrogen dispensing volume further underscores the sector’s resilience amid broader economic and supply chain disruptions affecting alternative fuel adoption.
Stay updated on the latest in energy! Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X for real-time news and insights. Don’t miss out on exclusive interviews and webinars—subscribe to our YouTube channel today! Join our community and be part of the conversation shaping the future of energy.
