Hydrogen fuel vehicles may be successful only in Japan

Fuel cell vehicles have yet to win the hearts of consumers in many parts of the world

Hydrogen fuel cells have become quite popular in the transportation space, but not all automakers are convinced that fuel cell vehicles will be successful. Many of the world's most prominent automakers have plans to launch fuel cell vehicles beginning next year. The problem, however, is that there is not currently an established hydrogen fuel infrastructure that can support these vehicles. Japan is home to one of the most developed infrastructures, which may make the country the only places in the world where these vehicles can find success.

Volkswagen believes that fuel cell vehicles will only find success in Japan

Volkswagen has relatively little faith in the future of fuel cell vehicles. The German automaker has a strong interest in clean transportation, but has favored batteries over fuel cells for decades. The company believes that fuel cell vehicles will only find significant success in Japan, where the government is heavily funding the development of these vehicles. The Japanese government is also heavily invested in the formation of a working hydrogen fuel infrastructure.

Japan continues to invest in hydrogen fuel

The Japanese government has high hopes for fuel cells. Many of the country's leading automakers are developing fuel cell vehicles that will begin entering the market in 2015. Some 100 hydrogen fueling stations are being built throughout Japan in order to support the adoption of these vehicles amongst consumers. Outside Japan, support of hydrogen fuel cells is somewhat unreliable.

California may be one of the most successful markets for fuel cell vehicles outside of Japan

California is one of the only other places in the world where fuel cell vehicles may find significant success. The state recently invested $27 million in the development of new fueling stations that will support fuel cell vehicles. The state is also one of the most active clean transportation markets in the world. Many automakers developing fuel cell vehicles believe that these vehicles will find success in California, which is why these companies have been investing the establishment of a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure in the state.