Six major hydrogen refuelling station operators have joined forces to create a new European alliance aimed at accelerating the adoption of hydrogen-powered trucks and light commercial vehicles. The newly formed Hydrogen Infrastructure Alliance (H2IA) brings together Hydri, TEAL Mobility, Fountain Fuel, H2 MOBILITY, Virya Energy and Hympulsion, companies that together operate one of the continent’s largest networks of public hydrogen stations.
Announced during the Solutrans trade show in Lyon, the cooperation is designed to tackle one of the most persistent obstacles in hydrogen mobility: the lack of coordinated, European-wide refuelling infrastructure for heavy-duty transport. According to statements issued by the members, the goal is to create a unified, strategically planned network capable of supporting cross-border freight transport.
Aiming to end the “chicken-and-egg” problem
Hydrogen truck deployment in Europe has been slowed by a classic dilemma. Manufacturers hesitate to scale up production without a reliable network of refuelling stations, while infrastructure operators are reluctant to invest heavily until enough vehicles are on the road.
The H2IA intends to change this dynamic by aligning the strategies of six operators and presenting a single, Europe-focused development plan. Together, the members currently operate 92 hydrogen refuelling stations, including several designed for high-capacity, heavy-duty vehicles. As part of their joint roadmap, they plan to deploy 39 additional large-scale stations by 2028, enabling daily refuelling for an estimated 1,800 hydrogen trucks.
The alliance’s strategy — referred to by members as a “Connecting the Dots” approach — aims to build corridors between key logistics regions so that long-haul transport operators can plan routes reliably.
Call to manufacturers: bring more hydrogen trucks
Shortly after announcing the alliance, the members issued a coordinated message to vehicle manufacturers. The group is urging OEMs to “accelerate the rollout” of hydrogen trucks and light commercial vehicles, warning that without more models on the market, Europe risks slowing down the clean-transport transition just as large-scale refuelling infrastructure is finally emerging.
H2IA stresses that new stations will be suitable for both high-throughput heavy-duty refuelling and daily LCV fleet operations. This, the alliance argues, should give manufacturers and logistics companies the confidence to commit to hydrogen platforms.
Building a European backbone for hydrogen mobility
Another stated priority is overcoming the patchwork nature of Europe’s early hydrogen networks. While countries like Germany, the Netherlands and France already have operational stations, large gaps remain — especially along major freight corridors. By coordinating deployment plans, the alliance aims to make refuelling more predictable for long-distance hauliers.
The six operators also emphasise that hydrogen will complement, rather than compete with, battery-electric solutions. For long-haul freight, high payloads and intensive duty cycles, they argue, hydrogen remains one of the few viable zero-emission alternatives.
