How Much Does It Cost to Fuel a Hydrogen Fuelled Car?
As the automotive world shifts towards low-emission technologies, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) like the Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai have emerged as promising alternatives to petrol and diesel. But one common question remains: how much does it actually cost to fuel a hydrogen-powered car in the UK?
You can explore lease costs here.
Let’s explore the numbers, comparisons, and key factors that influence the cost of running a hydrogen car in 2025.
Average Cost of Hydrogen Fuel in the UK
Firstly what does the fuel actually cost? Hydrogen in the UK is priced per kilogram (kg) similar to how petrol is sold per litre. As of May 2025:
The average cost per kg of hydrogen at public refuelling stations is £10 to £15
Most stations charge around £13/kg, though this can vary by location and supplier
How Much Hydrogen Does a Car Use?
Take the Hyundai Nexo, one of the most widely available hydrogen cars in the UK:
Tank capacity: 6.3 kg of hydrogen
Range: Up to 414 miles (WLTP cycle) on a full tank
Efficiency: Around 65–70 miles per kg
So, a full tank costs: 6.3 kg × £13 = ~£81.90
Cost Per Mile
To break it down further: £81.90 full tank for ~414 miles = ~£0.20 per mile
In comparison:
Cost per Mile by Vehicle Fuel Type
Hydrogen Car~£0.20
Petrol/Diesel £0.14–£0.18
Electric Vehicle £0.05–£0.07 (Home Charging)
Electric Vehicle £0.15–£0.25 (Public Charging)
Hydrogen is currently more expensive than both petrol and home charged electricity, but the equation changes depending on how the hydrogen is produced and distributed and is broadly in line with public charging for electric cars, main issue being you can't add Hydrogen at home.
Refuelling Time Advantage
Despite higher fuel costs, hydrogen cars offer one major benefit: rapid refuelling.
A hydrogen tank can be filled in under 5 minutes, comparable to petrol/diesel and significantly faster than charging an EV.
This makes hydrogen ideal for:
Fleets and high-mileage users
Public transport and commercial use
Drivers without access to home EV charging
Limited Refuelling Infrastructure
As of 2025, the UK has fewer than 15 public hydrogen refuelling stations, mostly located near London, Birmingham, and Swindon.
This limits nationwide adoption and contributes to the higher cost due to low production volumes.
However, government and private sector initiatives are aiming to expand the hydrogen network, especially for commercial applications.
Business Hydrogen bunkering is an option which would be an option for some fleets but is highly unlikely with the current Hydrogen car availability as vehicles would need to return to base to refuel regularly.
The Future of Hydrogen Fuel Costs
Hydrogen costs are expected to fall over the coming decade due to:
Green hydrogen production using renewables
Mass adoption in buses, trucks, and trains
Economies of scale from increased demand
This means hydrogen could become more competitive as supply grows and infrastructure improves.
Summary
Hydrogen price - £10–£15 per kg (avg. ~£13)
Tank size (e.g. Nexo) - 6.3 kg
Cost to refuel~£82 for a full tank
Range~400–414 miles
Cost per mile~£0.20
Refuelling time~5 minutes
Infrastructure - Limited in the UK
Is Hydrogen Right for You?
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer zero-emissions driving and quick refuelling, but current running costs are higher than EVs. For drivers who prioritise convenience and sustainability and especially for fleet or commercial use hydrogen is a forward-thinking option however the market and infrastructure is not sufficiently developed at present meaning refuelling costs are high and lease costs are excessive, this will be something to revisit in future years.
To explore hydrogen car leasing options, visit Let’s Talk Leasing or speak to our advisors on [email protected] / 0330 056 3331 for personalised guidance.
