Hydrogen Truck Manufacturers to Watch in 2025:

The Future of Green Transportation

The hydrogen truck market is set to experience substantial growth in 2025, fueled by stricter environmental regulations, rapid technological innovation, and robust strategic partnerships. As the global transportation industry pivots towards green transportation alternatives, hydrogen fuel cell trucks are emerging as a compelling solution for sustainable logistics, especially in long-haul and heavy-duty sectors.

Key Drivers of the Hydrogen Truck Market

1. Environmental Regulations

Governments worldwide are implementing ambitious climate targets and zero-emission truck mandates. For example, California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule requires increasing sales of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks by 2035, accelerating the transition from diesel to hydrogen-powered trucks.

2. Technological Advancements

Breakthroughs in hydrogen fuel cell design have significantly boosted vehicle performance and reduced operational costs. Today’s commercial hydrogen vehicles benefit from greater energy efficiency, increased range, and improved total cost of ownership.

3. Infrastructure Expansion

The global rollout of hydrogen refueling stations, particularly across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America, will be pivotal in supporting the adoption of hydrogen trucks. Public and private investment in hydrogen infrastructure is eliminating range anxiety and bolstering fleet operator confidence.

Recent Trends in the Market

Fleet Deployments: Major corporations like DHL and Walmart Canada are incorporating hydrogen fuel cell trucks into their operations, underscoring a serious shift toward sustainable logistics.

Collaborations: Partnerships between hydrogen truck manufacturers and energy providers are enabling vertically integrated hydrogen ecosystems.

Autonomous Integration: Some hydrogen truck startups are exploring AI-powered, autonomous vehicle integration to further reduce emissions and enhance efficiency.

Regional Insights

North America

California leads the charge with policy support and infrastructure expansion. Key players include Nikola, Toyota, and Kenworth, focusing on scalable zero-emission trucks for logistics.

Europe

Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland are spearheading adoption. The region boasts an advanced hydrogen refueling network and strong government incentives.

Asia-Pacific

China is aggressively investing in hydrogen fuel cell truck companies like Yutong and King Long, contributing to a booming market for commercial hydrogen vehicles.

Selection Criteria: Top Hydrogen Truck Manufacturers 2025

When identifying the best hydrogen trucks for commercial use, assess:

Technological Innovation: Efficiency of fuel cell systems, vehicle range, and payload.

Infrastructure Support: Investment in refueling stations and fuel production.

Regulatory Compliance: Ability to meet strict zero-emission mandates.

Market Presence: Real-world deployments and strategic growth across key regions.

Top 10 Hydrogen Truck Manufacturers

1. Nikola Corporation

Nikola has been a headline-maker in the hydrogen trucking space. Despite early controversies, the company has regrouped with strategic partnerships and real-world deployments. The Nikola Tre FCEV is one of the first hydrogen trucks to begin deliveries in North America, targeting short- and medium-haul applications. Nikola is also investing in its own hydrogen production and refueling infrastructure to support a vertically integrated model.

Headquarters: Arizona

Recent Developments: The company has witnessed an increase in production and sales.

2024–2025 Highlights: In 2024-2025, Nikola Corporation saw a mix of positive strides and financial challenges in the hydrogen truck market.

Strategic Focus: The company is prioritizing the expansion of its hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) lineup while actively developing the supporting infrastructure required for widespread adoption.

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2. Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai is a pioneer in hydrogen vehicle development. Its XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck has been successfully deployed in Switzerland and other parts of Europe. Hyundai combines deep expertise in hydrogen fuel cell tech with a commitment to building the broader hydrogen value chain, including fuel production and refueling networks.

Headquarters: South Korea

Recent Developments: Hyundai Motor Company is actively advancing and rolling out hydrogen fuel cell trucks, with a particular focus on the XCIENT Fuel Cell model for commercial transportation.

2024–2025 Highlights: Hyundai Motor Company saw a modest decline in global sales in 2024, totalling 4.14 million units, a 1.8% drop compared to the previous year, but aims to surpass 4.17 million units in sales for 2025.

Strategic Focus: The company is concentrating on boosting its competitiveness by increasing sales of electrified models, expanding local manufacturing, and strengthening its issue management system.

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3. Daimler Truck AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)

Through its GenH2 Truck, Daimler is targeting long-haul logistics with a focus on liquid hydrogen for extended range. Daimler has also partnered with Volvo in the cellcentric joint venture to scale hydrogen fuel cell production. The company is positioning itself as a global leader in heavy-duty zero-emission freight, with plans for large-scale deployment by the late 2020s.

Headquarters: Germany

Recent Developments: Recent developments include a prototype GenH2 truck reaching a range of 1,047 km on a single liquid hydrogen fill, showcasing the potential of hydrogen fuel cells for long-haul trucking.

2024–2025 Highlights: Daimler Truck AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG) has made significant investments in hydrogen truck technology, with major advancements in 2024-2025 centered around the GenH2 Truck and liquid hydrogen systems.

Strategic Focus: The company is strategically prioritizing hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty trucks, with a special emphasis on long-haul applications.

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4. AB Volvo

Volvo, in partnership with Daimler via cellcentric, is building its hydrogen fuel cell capability alongside its battery-electric portfolio. The Volvo FH Hydrogen is designed for long-haul routes where battery-electric options fall short. Volvo emphasizes dual-power strategies to meet different logistics demands.

Headquarters: Sweden

Recent Developments: AB Volvo is actively advancing hydrogen-powered trucks utilizing both hydrogen combustion engines and fuel cell technology, aiming for commercial availability by the end of the decade.

2024–2025 Highlights: Between 2024 and 2025, Volvo Trucks has been actively engaged in developing and testing hydrogen-powered trucks, encompassing both fuel cell and combustion engine variants.

Strategic Focus: AB Volvo, via Volvo Trucks, is strategically emphasizing hydrogen trucks as a central element of its heavy-duty transportation decarbonization strategy.

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5. Scania AB

Scania, a member of the Traton Group (Volkswagen), has adopted a cautious stance toward hydrogen but has initiated pilot trials for its fuel cell trucks. With a focus on customized logistics solutions, Scania sees hydrogen as essential for specific use cases, particularly high-load and long-distance transport in colder regions.

Headquarters: Sweden

Recent Developments: Scania is currently collaborating with Cummins Inc. on a project to develop an initial fleet of 20 fuel cell electric trucks powered by green hydrogen as part of the HyTrucks initiative.

2024–2025 Highlights: During 2024-2025, Scania is actively participating in the hydrogen truck market, concentrating on the development and deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Strategic Focus: Scania AB is strategically prioritizing both battery-electric and hydrogen trucks as key components of its broader strategy to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation.

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6. Iveco Group N.V.

Iveco is partnering with Nikola to manufacture hydrogen and battery-electric trucks in Europe. The Nikola Tre FCEV is being co-produced in Ulm, Germany. Iveco also supports hydrogen mobility in public transit and municipal fleets, contributing to a multi-segment approach across Europe.

Headquarters: Italy

Recent Developments: Iveco Group is actively engaged in developing and deploying hydrogen-powered trucks, notably through its involvement in the H2Haul project and its strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Company.

2024–2025 Highlights: In early 2025, Iveco delivered two S-eWay Fuel Cell heavy-duty trucks to BMW, representing a major milestone in showcasing the potential of hydrogen trucks for long-haul transport.

Strategic Focus: Iveco Group is strategically targeting the hydrogen truck market as a key element of its broader decarbonization strategy, with a strong emphasis on heavy-duty transport.

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7. Yutong Bus Co., Ltd.

Primarily known for buses, Yutong has expanded into medium-duty hydrogen trucks as China rapidly scales up its hydrogen economy. Backed by strong government support and solid access to its domestic market, Yutong is well-positioned to become a key player in the Asia-Pacific region.

Headquarters: China

Recent Developments: Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. is actively engaged in the development and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell buses, with a strong emphasis on advancing hydrogen energy solutions.

2024–2025 Highlights: Although Yutong primarily concentrates on electric buses, the company is also advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology to meet the increasing global demand for sustainable transportation solutions.

Strategic Focus: Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. is strategically targeting the hydrogen truck market as part of its broader new energy vehicle initiative, placing significant emphasis on fuel cell technology.

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8. Xiamen King Long International Trading Co., Ltd.

Another Chinese company, King Long, has introduced fuel cell-powered logistics vehicles and buses. Though not yet a global name in trucks, the company is involved in several regional pilot programs and contributes to China's ambitious hydrogen deployment goals.

Headquarters: China

2024–2025 Highlights: 2024–2025 highlights include participation in the World Hydrogen Technology Convention and the launch of new energy heavy trucks.

Strategic Focus: Xiamen King Long International Trading Co., Ltd. is actively engaged in the hydrogen truck market, with a strategic emphasis on the development and promotion of hydrogen fuel cell technology for commercial vehicles.

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9. Ballard Power Systems Inc.

Ballard is not a truck OEM but deserves mention as a key fuel cell technology supplier to several truck manufacturers, including Van Hool, Kenworth, and Quantron. Their FCmove modules are widely used in heavy-duty applications, making them critical to the hydrogen trucking ecosystem.

Headquarters: Canada

Recent Developments: Recent initiatives involve collaborations and projects focused on incorporating Ballard's fuel cell technology into mining trucks, long-haul trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles.

2024–2025 Highlights: In 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, Ballard Power Systems saw mixed results in the hydrogen truck market.

Strategic Focus: Ballard Power Systems is strategically targeting the hydrogen truck market by developing and providing fuel cell engines for a range of truck platforms, including those from QUANTRON and Ford Trucks.

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10. Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota is ramping up hydrogen efforts beyond its Mirai fuel cell car. With partnerships like Kenworth and Hino, and development of heavy-duty fuel cell trucks, Toyota is investing in the scalability of hydrogen freight transport, especially in North America and Japan.

Headquarters: Japan

Recent Developments: Toyota Motor Corporation is making significant strides in technological innovation, with a strong emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell technology, as part of its broader transformation into a comprehensive "mobility company."

2024–2025 Highlights: Key highlights include the development of a next-generation, more efficient fuel cell system and strategic collaborations to expand supporting infrastructure.

Strategic Focus: Toyota's strategic focus in the hydrogen truck market revolves around utilizing its fuel cell technology to drive decarbonization in the commercial transportation sector, with a particular emphasis on heavy-duty trucks.

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Emerging Players in the Market

First Mode: A U.S.-based company specializing in hybrid battery systems and hydrogen fuel cell technologies for heavy-duty vehicles, including mining and rail applications. After successfully testing and demonstrating its proof-of-concept at an operational mine site in South Africa, First Mode has been actively progressing the nuGen Haulage Solution, which includes retrofit kits for trucks and the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen production, battery recharging, and hydrogen refueling, toward commercial deployment.

Reliance Industries: An Indian conglomerate transforming its fleet into hydrogen-powered vehicles, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation in India. Reliance Industries is actively participating in the hydrogen truck market by converting its existing fleet of internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks to operate on green hydrogen. The company aims to transition around 5,000 trucks to hydrogen power by mid-2024, utilizing hydrogen produced at its Jamnagar facility.

Challenges Faced by Top Hydrogen Truck Companies

High Production Costs: The manufacturing of hydrogen trucks and fuel cells remains expensive, impacting affordability.

Limited Refueling Infrastructure: Insufficient hydrogen refueling stations hinder the operational range and convenience of hydrogen trucks.

Regulatory Uncertainties: Fluctuating policies and regulations can create an unpredictable market environment.

According to TechSci Research the Global Hydrogen Truck Market was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 18.1 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 37.7% during the forecast period. The market growth is driven by various factors, such as decarbonization & emission regulations, technological advancements & cost reductions, infrastructure expansion, etc.

Factors Driving the Growth of Global Hydrogen Truck Market:

1. Decarbonization & Emission Regulations

Global net-zero targets and stricter emission standards, such as the EU’s Fit for 55 and California’s zero-emission truck mandates, are pushing fleet operators toward hydrogen trucks.

Hydrogen trucks offer zero tailpipe emissions and are well-suited for industrial logistics and long-haul applications.

2. Technological Advancements & Cost Reductions

Advancements in fuel cell efficiency, durability, and compact design are driving down system costs while boosting overall performance.

Declining green hydrogen production costs, thanks to renewable energy and scaled electrolysis are also lowering the total cost of ownership

3. Infrastructure Expansion

The expansion of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, particularly across key regions such as Asia, Europe, and North America, is playing a crucial role in mitigating range anxiety, a major barrier to the adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks. Governments and private sector stakeholders are investing heavily in building strategically located refueling stations along major freight corridors and industrial hubs. This growing network enhances the operational feasibility of hydrogen trucks for long-haul and heavy-duty applications, ensuring reliable access to fuel and reducing downtime, thereby encouraging fleet operators to transition from diesel to cleaner alternatives.

Future Outlook for the Hydrogen Truck Market

The hydrogen truck market is projected to see strong growth, with forecasts pointing to a notable rise in market revenue by 2030. Advancements in fuel cell technology, expansion of refueling infrastructure, and supportive government policies will drive this growth.

Conclusion