ITF Summit Discusses Role of Hydrogen Alongside Battery Electric Vehicles in Decarbonizing Transport

LEIPZIG, Germany, May 6 (Yonhap) -- Automobile industry officials at this year's International Transport Forum called on governments to expand infrastructure for both battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, citing cost efficiency and complementary benefits.

The 2026 ITF Summit took place at the Congress Center Leipzig. A session titled "Hydrogen as an Enabler of a Resilient Transport System" was held there on May 6, 2026.

Spoke during the session. "Hydrogen is a complementary solution for the decarbonization of transport," Freymueller said. " Freymueller noted that batteries are effective for short-term energy storage ranging from hours to a few days but are less suitable for long-term storage across seasons.

Peter Mackey said it is important to view decarbonization as a growth driver. "Achieving scale in the hydrogen industry is essential to reducing costs," Mackey said.

Experts at the forum said that developing infrastructure for both BEVs and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles could lower overall costs. They also emphasized the need for consistent and predictable hydrogen policies. Hyundai Motor Co.

Has been expanding its global hydrogen ecosystem through large-scale deployments in North America and Europe. As of January 2026, 165 Xcient fuel-cell trucks in Europe have logged a combined 20 million kilometers. 6 million kilometers over the same period.

As of March 2026, Hyundai's cumulative domestic sales of hydrogen buses exceeded 3,000 units. Hyundai Motor Group operates its hydrogen brand and business platform under the name HTWO.