Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car Sales See Dramatic Increase in Q2 2023
Toyota Mirai Sales Set Record Quarterly Sales Volume
In 2023’s second quarter, hydrogen fuel cell car sales made significant strides forward, with 1,076 new cars sold – representing 34% growth year-on-year and the highest quarterly sales volume achieved in any recorded quarter.
Toyota Mirai sales comprised 98% of hydrogen fuel cell car sales during Q2. Toyota reported selling 1,054 Mirais during this quarter – 64% more than during the same time last year! In comparison, Hyundai Nexo (the only other hydrogen fuel cell car currently available in the US) only managed to move 40 vehicles during this period.
Mirai sales may have seen substantial increases due to increasing hydrogen refueling station availability in California and the recent release of an entry-level version of this vehicle.
Hydrogen fuel cell car sales have experienced substantial growth over the past three years. While they offer potential alternatives to battery-electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell cars still face several hurdles, such as their higher costs and limited availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
Refueling Infrastructure Remains an Issue
As of May 22, 2023, there were 58 open retail hydrogen stations in California, up from 53 in December. Yet this still represents only a moderate increase, and average distances remain high between stations.
California Fuel Cell Partnership (FCP) is working towards increasing the number of hydrogen refueling stations throughout California, with 100 open retail stations by the end of 2023 and 1000 by 2030 as its goal.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars may become mainstream soon
Prospects of hydrogen fuel cell cars remain unclear, though their recent surge in sales is encouraging. If vehicle costs can be reduced and infrastructure improved for hydrogen refueling, infrastructure expansion can occur more effectively; hydrogen fuel cell cars could provide a viable alternative to battery-electric vehicles.