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The automotive industry is rapidly evolving in terms of technology as well as tackling environmental issues. Electric vehicles (EVs) have been introduced as a clean energy initiative as they have low or zero emissions, and have come a long way to become an integral part of OEMs’ business strategies. Automakers like PSA and VW are creating separate EV business units to be prepared for the expected EV boom in the future. Along with long-range battery electric vehicles (BEVs), governments and OEMs are also looking at fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as a viable solution especially for light & heavy commercial vehicles (CVs) and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) in passenger cars.

Currently, there are only 3 models active in the market – Hyundai Nexo (most sold in 2019), Toyota Mirai, and Honda Clarity. Hyundai Tucson is awaiting an upgrade and we can expect a new Tucson and Clarity in the market next year. We expect about 25+ models to be available, together accounting for about 1-1.5% of global passenger car (PC) sales by the end of this decade.

Proton exchange membrane, or PEM, is currently the only type of fuel cells found viable for usage in mobility due to its high power density and other advantages related to low weight and volume compared to other types. It operates at low temperatures of about 80 degrees Celsius, which makes it suitable for mobility applications and other uses that require an initial high demand of power, which is of high density.