A hydrogen fill-up is calculated by the kilogram, not by the liter. This peculiarity changes the way to evaluate the actual expenditure compared to gasoline or diesel. The price of hydrogen at the pump varies by station and region, placing the cost of a fill-up within a range that deserves to be detailed for each type of vehicle.
Cost of a hydrogen fill-up by vehicle type
| Vehicle Type | Tank Capacity | Estimated Fill-Up Cost | Average Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Utility Vehicle | Variable by model | Variable | Variable by load |
| Bus or Heavy Truck | Several dozen kg | Several hundred euros | Variable by use |
The budget for a full tank depends on the rate charged by the station and the vehicle’s tank capacity. When calculated per kilometer, the cost varies significantly according to the local price per kilogram.
These amounts assume refueling at 700 bars of pressure, the standard required by fuel cell vehicles. Some stations only dispense at 350 bars, which prevents completely filling the tank of a vehicle designed for 700 bars. A driver who relies solely on the price per kilo without checking the available pressure risks paying for a partial fill-up.
To delve deeper into the price of a hydrogen fill-up and its variations by region, the price differences between stations deserve particular attention.
Public Rate and Fleet Rate: Two Price Realities for Hydrogen
The price displayed at the pump does not reflect the cost paid by all users. Professional fleets (urban buses, utility vehicles, taxis) often negotiate contractual rates distinct from the public price. These supply contracts, sometimes linked to a dedicated station, allow for a significantly lower cost per kilogram.
For an individual visiting a public station, the rate remains the one displayed. Comparing the usage cost of an individual to that of a fleet makes no sense without knowing the contractual conditions of each party.
What the AFIR Regulation Changes for Consumers
The European AFIR regulation requires public hydrogen refueling stations to clearly display the spot price per kilogram before refueling begins. It also mandates the acceptance of electronic payment. This transparency allows for verification of the actual rate on-site rather than relying on sometimes outdated national averages.
The AFIR regulation also provides for a network of stations along major European roadways. The regulatory objective primarily aims at covering transport corridors, not having a station near every driver. The hydrogen station network in France remains limited, concentrated in a few urban areas and strategic routes.
Hydrogen, Electric, Gasoline: Cost Comparison per Kilometer
The price of a fill-up is not sufficient to compare powertrains. It is the cost per kilometer traveled that determines the actual expenditure.
- A hydrogen vehicle consumes about 1 kg for 100 km, resulting in a variable cost depending on the public station rate.
- An electric battery vehicle costs a few euros per 100 km depending on the charging rate (home or public station).
- A comparable gasoline vehicle consumes 6 to 8 liters per 100 km, resulting in a variable cost based on fuel prices.
Hydrogen costs more per kilometer than battery electric, but offers a refueling time of a few minutes, compared to several tens of minutes (or even hours) for an electric recharge. The choice therefore depends as much on the fuel budget as on daily usage.
Why the Price of Hydrogen at the Pump Remains High
The cost of production is the primary factor. So-called “green” hydrogen, produced by electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, is significantly more expensive to produce than “gray” hydrogen derived from natural gas reforming. The majority of hydrogen consumed today still comes from fossil sources.
Beyond production, high-pressure storage and transportation to stations add significant costs. Hydrogen must be compressed or liquefied for transport, which requires additional energy and specific infrastructure.
A Market Still Too Limited to Lower Prices
The number of fuel cell vehicles in circulation in France remains low. Few models are marketed, primarily the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo, at purchase prices that remain very high. This reduced user base does not generate the necessary volumes to amortize the infrastructure costs of the stations.
In France, the low number of stations limits competitive dynamics among distributors, which hinders any significant reduction in the price per kilogram.
- The production cost of green hydrogen remains several times higher than that of gray hydrogen.
- Transportation and high-pressure storage represent a significant portion of the final price.
- The limited number of stations hinders competition and keeps prices high.
The price of a hydrogen fill-up for a private car depends on the local price per kilogram and the tank capacity, with a range comparable to that of a thermal vehicle. The cost per kilometer remains higher than that of battery electric, but the refueling time of a few minutes is a concrete advantage for certain uses.
Future developments will depend on the deployment of stations, the scaling up of green hydrogen production, and the market’s ability to generate sufficient volumes to drive prices down.
