Hydrogen Mobility for Heavy-Duty Vehicles: How It Can Succeed – Pioneering Spirit and Cooperation Among Stakeholders – Länderdialog Baden-Württemberg – Bayern at the ZSW in Ulm

Ulm – Under the motto “How can it succeed?”, the 3rd Länderdialog (State Dialogue) Baden-Württemberg – Bayern took place on November 5th, focusing on advancing hydrogen mobility in the commercial vehicle sector. The cross-state event, hosted by the Hydrogen Center Bavaria (H2.B) and the Plattform H2BW at the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) in Ulm, brought together more than 120 participants from Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and neighboring states. Key topics included opportunities and challenges for logistics companies and vehicle manufacturers, as well as aspects of a functional mobility ecosystem.

Practical insights from various logistics providers and freight companies into their hydrogen projects highlighted the enthusiasm, drive, and pioneering spirit essential for scaling up hydrogen adoption. Stakeholders emphasized that success depends on a collaborative approach involving the entire ecosystem and the implementation of regional projects, ensuring both scaling and securing technological leadership. Technology openness, tailored to specific use cases, and the expansion of refueling infrastructure were also identified as critical factors.

Major challenges include the lack of reliable political and regulatory frameworks, bureaucratic hurdles, limited experience, and the absence of spill-over effects. High investment risks and the abrupt discontinuation of funding opportunities for market development have further contributed to uncertainty within the heavy-duty transport sector.

Pitches on pay-per-use and leasing models showcased concrete ways to reduce investment risks, facilitating the implementation of hydrogen mobility in the logistics industry.

On the manufacturer side, it was highlighted that the market for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles already exists, and that the technology is mature from the supplier’s perspective. Participants had the opportunity to witness this firsthand with a hydrogen truck showcased on-site by H2 Green Power & Logistics. For manufacturers, the next critical step is scaling up the production to ensure the availability and diversity of vehicles needed. However, this necessary scaling to reduce costs now relies on users and end customers to drive demand.

The event was moderated by Dr. Fabian Pfaffenberger (H2.B) and Isabell Knüttgen (Platform H2BW).

About the Plattform H2BW

The Plattform H2BW is the central hub for all hydrogen-related matters in Baden-Württemberg. Funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Energy of Baden-Württemberg, it is coordinated by the state agency for new mobility solutions and automotive, e-mobil BW.

As part of its network, the Cluster Fuel Cell BW connects over 250 stakeholders from industry, science, associations, and public institutions, focusing on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

About H2.B

The Hydrogen Center Bavaria (H2.B) is Bavaria’s strategy and coordination office for hydrogen. It operates at the intersection of business, science, politics, and the public on both national and international levels. Its overarching goal is to strengthen the hydrogen economy in Bavaria and accelerate the rollout of hydrogen use across a wide range of applications.

H2.B also coordinates the Hydrogen Alliance Bavaria, a networking, knowledge, and interest platform that brings together more than 370 hydrogen stakeholders from business, science, and politics with a base in Bavaria.

Images: Platform H2BW & H2.B