Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, BEVs will coexist in China for a long time

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and all-electric vehicles will be juxtaposed and complementary for a long term in China to meet the needs of transportation and people's travel, Huang Libin, a spokesman of China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), said on April 23 at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

(From official website of the State Council Information Office of the PRC)

Huang stated that both hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and lithium battery-powered BEV are important technical routes for new energy vehicles (NEVs). According to technology traits and development trends, BEVs are more suitable for urban and short-distance passenger trips, while hydrogen fuel cell vehicle are more suitable for long-distance travels and large-sized commercial vehicles. Based on current situation, the industrialization process of hydrogen fuel cells obviously trail BEVs.

“China's hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are still less competitive than the world's advanced level in terms of basic materials, core components and system integration. This is not just a matter of technology, but also relies on the development of overall hydrogen energy industrial chain and the continuous improvement of relevant policies, standards and regulations. Promoting hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is even harder than that of BEVs to some degree,” said Huang.

He also stated that the MIIT will join hands with other official departments to conduct pilot programs and solve the problems about how to industrialize and commercialize hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, greatly pushing ahead with the innovation development of China's hydrogen energy and fuel cell vehicle industry.

The spokesman forecasted an annual NEV outputs exceeding 1.5 million units in China for 2019.

According to the data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China's NEV outputs and sales in the first quarter reached 304,000 units and 299,000 units, surging 102.7% and 109.7% year on year.