€8/kg hydrogen enables cost parity with diesel: Hylane & H2 Mobility milestone
A major breakthrough for hydrogen trucking: Hylane and H2 Mobility Deutschland have achieved a hydrogen price of €8 per kilogram, enabling the economic operation of fuel-cell trucks on par with diesel equivalents.
This development makes zero-emission heavy-duty transport viable today, without relying on subsidies.
Spotlight on the key quotes
Dr. Sara Schiffer, Managing Director at Hylane, highlights the broader implications:
“Setting the price at around 8 euros per kilogram marks an important milestone. It demonstrates that hydrogen trucks are not only environmentally sound but also economically viable.
This is a crucial step towards decarbonising heavy road freight and accelerating the growth of the hydrogen economy—well beyond the transport sector.”
Martin Jüngel, Managing Director and CFO of H2 Mobility Deutschland, stresses collaboration and policy needs:
“Through close cooperation along the hydrogen value chain, we are proving that the economic operation of hydrogen trucks is already feasible in practice today.
We repeatedly highlight the importance of long-term political frameworks for the commercial use of green hydrogen. We are delighted to demonstrate this in practice for the first time.
Only then can infrastructure operators, vehicle providers and customers gain the necessary confidence to switch to sustainable transport and mobility solutions.”
The partnership driving economic viability
This pricing is the result of a strategic alliance between Cologne-based Hylane, which specialises in emission-free truck rentals, and Berlin-based H2 Mobility, operator of Germany’s leading hydrogen refueling network.
Through Hylane’s pay-per-use leasing model and H2 Mobility’s mobile refuelling solutions, fleet operators now access hydrogen at €8/kg under all-inclusive contracts.
🔗 Related: Search H2 Mobility’s full list of available hydrogen refuelling stations in Europe
The setup deploys Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell trucks, with refuelling times under 15 minutes and high operational availability. By integrating bulk procurement, optimised logistics, and on-site production elements, the partners ensure reliable supply across Germany’s expanding network of over 100 stations.
Achieving diesel parity in practice
At €8 per kg, the total cost of operation for hydrogen trucks matches that of diesel vehicles, according to the release. This parity accounts for fuel costs in long-haul scenarios, where hydrogen’s energy equivalence and lower maintenance needs offset traditional expenses. The model supports the H2Global initiative, channeling green hydrogen to freight sectors while proving commercial feasibility.
No massive capital outlays are needed—operators simply lease the trucks and fuel, gaining zero tailpipe emissions and compliance with tightening EU regulations.
Implications for decarbonisation
This step forward bolsters confidence in hydrogen for heavy road freight, a sector responsible for significant emissions. With infrastructure scaling—aiming for 200+ stations by 2027—the partnership paves the way for wider adoption in Germany and beyond, including pilots in neighbouring markets.
As the quotes underscore, sustained policy support is key to scaling this success. Hydrogen trucks are now not just green, but economically competitive—right now.
