Car manufacturers have voiced their frustration at the UK Government's failure to support hydrogen filling station infrastructure as an alternative to battery electric vehicles.

The automotive industry is calling for the government to match European ambitions for hydrogen fuelling networks.

Many experts called on the Government to launch a similar strategy to the European Commission, which requires at least one hydrogen filling station every 120 miles on all major routes by 2030.

Additionally, all towns and cities with populations exceeding 100,000 must have hydrogen fuelling facilities.

Experts have backed calls for new hydrogen refuelling measures

One of the supporters of the strategy is David Wong, head of technology and innovation at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, who spoke at a BMW hydrogen summit.

He said "what gets regulated, gets done" in Europe, whilst urging the government to remove the expensive road tax supplement for all zero-emission vehicles.

BMW has already committed to launching its first hydrogen fuel-cell production model in 2028, although it made it clear that the UK won't be included in the launch countries.

Dr Jürgen Guldner, BMW's head of hydrogen technology, warned: "We sincerely hope that the infrastructure will develop further because right now in the UK it's not in any condition where it would make sense to launch such a vehicle.

The Toyota Mirai is one of the most popular hydrogen vehicles on the market TOYOTA

"Hopefully, in the next few years, development will pick up and there will be more hydrogen fueling stations that would allow a market introduction," Auto Express reported.

Without BMW's hydrogen model, UK drivers will theoretically have access to just two hydrogen vehicles - the Toyota Mirai and the new Hyundai Nexo.

However, sales of both will be effectively restricted to corporate customers with their own hydrogen fuelling resources, given the lack of public refuelling stations.

Dr Guldner explained that there's significant demand for hydrogen vehicles, stating: "Even if we can get [EV charging times] down to 20 minutes at some point, we still have an infrastructure issue."

The hydrogen fuel cell Hyundai Nexo

He also highlighted challenges with towing and cold weather conditions, "where a battery car basically has to be warmed up by using the energy in the battery".

The UK government's approach remains focused entirely on battery electric vehicles, supported by the Climate Change Committee, which has repeatedly stated that hydrogen is not a priority for road transport.

Some car manufacturers view this stance as short-sighted, warning it could slow the journey to net zero if consumers stick with internal combustion engines rather than battery electric vehicles.

David Wong emphasised the need for technological openness: "Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are not the enemy to batteries.

BMW ix5 Hydrogen vehicle driving in London during testing BMW

Jon Hunt, Senior Manager Hydrogen Transformation at Toyota GB, reinforced the importance of consumer choice at the summit.

He emphasised that drivers should be able to make a choice between manufacturers and needs and "make decisions that best suit themselves".

Hunt called for respect towards all zero-emission technologies, stating: "What we can't have is people dismissing technologies which are there to enable us all."

"Our job as an automotive manufacturer is to be able to make them accessible and usable for our customers," Hunt added.