There are more cars on the world’s roads than ever. More drivers are recognising the need to cut carbon emissions and address air quality challenges. One possible solution is hydrogen. 

Hydrogen-powered cars work by converting compressed hydrogen into electricity, which powers its engine. This process generates only water vapour and heat emissions.

Hydrogen-fuelled cars are also convenient for drivers. They offer similar performance and acceleration to traditional cars, their fuel cells can recharge quicker than batteries in electric vehicles, and they offer long journey times too. Some models can travel as far as 500 kilometres without running dry.

Shell has already opened hydrogen refuelling stations in the UK and on the west coast of the USA, and there are plans to grow this network even further. We are developing a nationwide network of 400 hydrogen fuelling stations in Germany as part of a joint venture. In the US, we are working with Honda and Toyota to grow California’s hydrogen fuelling system.

Hydrogen, however, is not the only future fuel that can help reduce transport emissions. Battery power, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and advanced biofuels will also play a role in the energy transition. And while the fuels of tomorrow will certainly be different to those of the past, what’s clear is that they will be instrumental in helping bring about a new age of transport. 

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