From 200 mph supercars to family runabouts, the age of the hydrogen powered cars is upon us. The appeal isn’t hard to understand: you can fill up your car as normal in three to five minutes. There’s no carbon emissions at the tailpipe, just a few drops of water. And you’re likely to have at least a 300 mile range. Driving experience is similar to electric cars, since hydrogen cells store and release electric energy in a similar way to the more familiar batteries. True, there’s still a shortage of hydrogen fuelling stations, but as more and more manufacturers produce hydrogen powered cars, that’s likely to change. So, is this the time for your first hydrogen car? Take a look at our top 10 hydrogen cars to decide.
Best hydrogen cars in 2024
Toyota Mirai
Just as it was first in the hybrid revolution with the Prius, so Toyota has been the pioneer in producing a showroom-ready hydrogen powered car with the Mirai. Now in its second generation, research on this hefty machine began in the early 1990s, evidence of Toyota's commitment to finding alternatives to fossil fuels. Latest styling is suitably futuristic, interior is familiar to anyone accustomed to a Prius, and range is quoted at 400 miles.
Hyundai Nexo
South Korean SUV disguises size of onboard hydrogen fuel cells by the simple trick of hiding them in a large vehicle. Hyundai quote a 400+ mile range for their hydrogen hero and the company has installed a suitably premium interior to match the relatively high price that’s always the penalty of being an early adopter of new technology. For those needing more space, the Nexo wins against the Mirai, given that these two are the only hydrogen vehicles available to buy at present.
Honda CR-V Hydrogen
The Japanese giant has not quite matched rival Toyota in the hydrogen stakes but has now bet, in conjunction with General Motors, on a distinctly hydrogen-based future. In the meantime, the upcoming CR-V Hydrogen is a version of one of the company’s existing machines, with Honda very much hedging its bets by making this a hybrid, so that you can plug it in to recharge as well as use hydrogen. Production is due to begin at Honda’s Ohio plant in 2024.
Hyperion XP-1
If this is the hydrogen future, sign us up right now. California-based Hyperion say their XP-1 supercar - which looks like it’s just driven off the set of ‘Bladerunner’ - has a 1,000 mile range. Not just that but there is performance to match the looks, with a 221 mph top speed quoted along with a 0 - 60 mph time of 2.25 seconds. Take that Lamborghini. On the downside, while you can order your next Lambo today, you might have to wait awhile for your XP-1, with production due to start in late 2023.
NamX HUV
Boasting design by Ferrari favourites Pininfarina, the NamX HUV - hydrogen utility vehicle - is both sleek and production-ready. NamX are a Moroccan start-up with significant backing and an ingenious work-around to compensate for the relative lack of hydrogen filling stations: its HUV features six removable hydrogen capsules that can independently be refuelled, rather like removing batteries from an electric bicycle. Place your order now for delivery in 2026.
Riversimple Rasa
Tiny hydrogen contender, still in prototype phase, from ambitious Wales-based newcomers Riversimple. Idea is that the Rasa will only be available on a subscription model, increasingly regarded as the future of personal transport and here including all fuel. Riversimple are keen to emphasise that beyond the pollution-free credentials and quirky looks, there’s a proper driver’s car constructed to be as light as possible and to offer affordable fun, too. Waiting list now open.
Land Rover Defender FCEV
Now under development from Jaguar Land Rover, their FCEV - fuel cell electric vehicle - is part of the company’s net zero carbon emissions strategy. Idea is that hydrogen will be ideal for larger vehicles that can cope with all conditions and all climates whatever the temperature. The latest Defender’s off-road credentials are already well-established and the company has teamed up with British specialists Marelli Automotive Systems to develop the hydrogen version.
H2X Warrego
Built for the most rugged of outback terrains, the Warrego is the most striking of future offerings from Australia’s H2X, founded to specialise in hydrogen-powered vehicles. Range is quoted as 250 miles, idea is that this is a hydrogen-powered workhorse that can cope with whatever you throw at it, whether that’s lugging loads long distance or throwing in a few surfboards and trailbikes for a weekend away.
BMW iX5 Hydrogen
Based on one of Munich’s existing premium SUVs, the iX5 Hydrogen has been ostentatiously pictured testing in icy conditions, a very deliberate way of showing that hydrogen cells, unlike conventional batteries, operate the same at all temperatures, however high or low. BMW quotes a potential range of more than 300 miles with a respectable top speed of 118 mph. Order books are not yet open, but BMW’s financial heft should make production a certainty.
Alpine A4810
Very much still a concept from Renault’s sports car division Alpine, also responsible for its Formula One team, we had to include the A4810 because of its frankly outrageous looks. Renault has let it be known that it’s researching more conventional hydrogen-powered vehicles so the A4810, or a version of it, could yet see limited production. Jaw-dropping design is courtesy students at Turin’s prestigious Istituto Europeo di Design. Our message to Alpine: please build it!
Get your fix of all things automotive at The Garage.
