Hydrogen Mobility Europe (H2ME) Access to the first Europe-wide network of hydrogen filling stations for fuel cell electric vehicles
Project period: 06/2015 – 06/2022
Hydrogen Mobility Europe is a flagship project that gives users of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) access to the first Europe-wide network of hydrogen refueling stations. The H2ME project has significantly expanded the European hydrogen vehicle fleet and demonstrated the technical and commercial readiness of vehicles, refueling stations and hydrogen production processes.
The €170 million demonstration project is co-financed with €67 million from the European Union’s “Horizon 2020” program through the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (now the Clean Hydrogen Partnership), a public-private partnership supporting fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies in Europe.
The two projects, H2ME and its follow-up project H2ME2, bring together European hydrogen mobility initiatives from Germany, France, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom with the following objectives:
- End-user deployment of more than 1,400 fuel cell vehicles
- The establishment of 45 state-of-the-art hydrogen refueling stations across Europe
- Improving awareness and understanding of hydrogen mobility technology
- Addressing frequently asked questions and concerns regarding hydrogen mobility
H2ME is divided into two projects: The H2ME1 project launched in 2015 and ran until mid-2020. This 5-year project achieved an increase in the use of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) on Europe’s roads and laid the foundation for a Europe-wide network of hydrogen refueling stations. With over 300 vehicles and 29 state-of-the-art refueling stations, the project is one of the most ambitious coordinated hydrogen projects ever implemented in Europe.
- Total cost: 70 million euros
- Funding: 32 million euros
The H2ME2 project launched in May 2016 and builds on its predecessor. The goal is to significantly expand the European hydrogen vehicle fleet while simultaneously strengthening the technical and commercial readiness of vehicles, refueling stations, and hydrogen production processes. With more than 1,100 cars, vans, and trucks and 20 refueling stations, the project will enable the formulation of future recommendations and the identification of gaps that could hinder full commercialization. Furthermore, these results will be compiled to support future investments.
- Total cost: 100 million euros
- Funding: 35 million euros
Together, H2ME1 and H2ME2 demonstrate that hydrogen-powered road transport can be a Europe-wide solution as a viable and competitive alternative to fossil fuels.
