History of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Development: From 1839 Invention to Global Commercialisation in 2026
July 26, 2026
VAHC Secretariat
I. Early Stage (1839-1932): From Scientific Discovery to Laboratory Prototype
The principle of the hydrogen fuel cell was first discovered in 1838 by Swiss chemist Christian Friedrich Schönbein. A year later, in 1839, Welsh scientist and lawyer Sir William Robert Grove built the first working fuel cell, which he called a "gas battery." Grove's device successfully generated electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, and he is recognised as the "father of the fuel cell."
In 1842, Grove further refined his design. In 1889, chemists Ludwig Mond and Charles Langer developed a fuel cell with longer service life and first coined the term "fuel cell."
Francis Thomas Bacon was the person who developed the first practical hydrogen fuel cell.
II. Bacon Cell and Space Applications (1932-1960s)
In 1932, British engineer Francis Thomas Bacon developed the first practical hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, using alkaline electrolyte and nickel electrodes. He invented the gas diffusion electrode, enabling effective contact between fuel gas and electrolyte. However, it wasn't until 1959 that Bacon and his colleagues successfully demonstrated a 5 kW practical device.
The real turning point came from the space race. In the 1950s and 1960s, the demand for efficient and stable power sources for spacecraft created new opportunities for fuel cells. NASA used fuel cells as the primary power source in the Gemini and Apollo missions, significantly advancing the technology's maturity. In 1966, General Motors launched the world's first fuel cell vehicle, the Electrovan, marking fuel cells' entry into the automotive sector.
III. Commercial Exploration (1990s-2014)
From the 1990s to the early 2000s, fuel cell technology gradually transitioned from space applications to civilian use. The U.S. Department of Energy promoted hydrogen R&D through legislation such as the Energy Policy Act and the Hydrogen Future Act. Automakers like Ford and Daimler partnered with Canada's Ballard Power Systems.
In 2008, Honda launched the FCX Clarity in Japan and California. In 2014, Toyota launched the Mirai, the world's first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle. However, high costs and lack of infrastructure remained barriers to commercialisation.
IV. 2025-2026: A Global Turning Point
Strong Market Growth
In 2025, global hydrogen demand grew nearly 3%, exceeding 100 million tonnes. Among this, low-emission hydrogen demand grew 20%, reaching nearly 1 million tonnes. Global fuel cell vehicle stock grew 20%, reaching nearly 130,000 vehicles. By the end of 2025, cumulative global fuel cell vehicle registrations reached 116,385 units. 2025 sales reached 16,011 vehicles, up 24.4% year-on-year.
Market forecasts show: the hydrogen fuel cell market in 2026 will grow from USD 16 billion to USD 22.03 billion, a 37.7% growth rate; the fuel cell vehicle market will grow from USD 11.48 billion to USD 13.75 billion.
Regional Distribution: China and South Korea Lead
The global fuel cell vehicle market is highly concentrated, with China and South Korea accounting for over 90% of global sales.
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China: 2025 sales reached 7,797 vehicles, over 90% of which are commercial vehicles. Through demonstration cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangdong, China is promoting the adoption of hydrogen logistics trucks and buses. In July 2026, China launched its first 2,000-tonne hydrogen-powered inland cargo vessel "Yun Tao No. 1" in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, equipped with three 260 kW hydrogen fuel cell generator sets, with a range of 760 km.
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South Korea: 2025 sales reached 6,802 vehicles, an 84% year-on-year increase. Hyundai is consolidating its NEXO passenger vehicle market while strategically pushing its XCIENT heavy-duty trucks into international markets.
The Shift from Passenger to Commercial Vehicles
2025 was a structural turning point for the fuel cell vehicle industry – commercial vehicles' share exceeded 50% for the first time, reaching 52%, while passenger vehicles dropped to 48%. This marks the global hydrogen transport sector's transition from "passenger demonstration" to "commercial deployment." Before 2025, passenger vehicles accounted for over 90%.
Strategic Adjustments by Major Automakers
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Toyota: In early 2025, announced third-generation fuel cell system with doubled durability, 20% increased range, and reduced production costs. In November 2025, debuted the Tacoma H2-Overlander concept pickup at the SEMA show. In 2026, launched a medium-duty hydrogen fuel cell truck. In May 2026, Toyota and Isuzu announced joint development of hydrogen fuel cell buses.
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Hyundai: In 2026, launched second-generation NEXO with 450-mile range, 5-minute refuelling, and first-time towing capability for the European market.
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Honda and General Motors: The two companies will terminate their fuel cell system joint venture production by the end of 2026. Honda will shift to its self-developed next-generation fuel cell system, planned for mass production in 2027.
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Others: Stellantis announced the termination of fuel cell vehicle development in 2025; BMW continues deep collaboration with Toyota.
V. Breakthroughs in Aviation and Maritime
In September 2020, Airbus unveiled the ZEROe hydrogen aircraft concept. In March 2025, selected hydrogen fuel cells as the propulsion solution. In 2025, announced a joint venture with MTU Aero Engines, expected to begin operations in 2027.
In the maritime sector, UK-based Bramble Energy launched the world's first hydrogen-electric vessel powered by printed circuit board fuel cell technology.
VI. Cutting-Edge Technologies on fuel cell and related H2
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Japan's EBARA Group achieved the world's first type approval for liquid hydrogen cargo pumps in July 2026.
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Taiwan's National Sun Yat-sen University developed a novel proton exchange membrane capable of recovering residual hydrogen from exhaust gases.
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Australia's CSIRO developed a new fuel cell design.
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Fraunhofer Institute's high-temperature electrolysis technology received the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize in 2026.
VII. Conclusion
From Grove's laboratory device in 1839 to over 116,000 fuel cell vehicles globally in 2026, hydrogen fuel cells have traversed nearly two centuries of development. In 2026, this technology stands at a critical juncture, transitioning from "passenger demonstration" to "commercial deployment," demonstrating unique value in sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy-duty trucks, logistics, shipping, and aviation.
However, challenges remain: insufficient infrastructure (Canada has only 6-7 public refuelling stations), high costs, and strategic pullbacks by some automakers. The future of hydrogen fuel cells lies not in replacing battery electric vehicles, but in complementing them – in heavy-load, long-distance, high-frequency scenarios where pure electric vehicles struggle. The current market consensus is that the most exciting chapters of hydrogen are being written now.
