As many as 1.6M cars on Britain’s roads could be powered by hydrogen within 17 years according to a Government backed study published on Monday. It says annual sales of the clean energy vehicles could surpass 300,000.

But the report admits that hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles will be “significantly more expensive to buy than conventional cars” and the refuelling network “will be limited” for the first few years after their introduction.

Consumer uptake will, it is thought, increase rapidly as vehicle costs become more competitive and as the refuelling infrastructure develops. An initial roll out of 65 refuelling stations focused on trunk roads and heavily populated areas would, the study adds, provide sufficient coverage in line with early vehicle sales. It is thought that 1150 refuelling sites will be in operation by the year 2030 as hydrogen vehicle numbers increase.

Hydrogen powered vehicles are said to produce no emissions or pollutants at the tail pipe. With over one and a half million such vehicles expected on the roads within 17 years carbon emissions could reduce by 3Mt.

“The transition to ultra low emission vehicles has already begun,” said Business Minister Michael Fallon. “It has the potential to decarbonise road transport, create significant new economic opportunities for the UK and diversify national energy supply. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles can make a significant contribution to this.”

London's Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse added: "We have been pushing for the commercial roll out of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, refuelling stations and hydrogen production in the capital for several years. At last the UK's hydrogen transport future is truly under way."

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