According to Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, diesel vehicles—which have long dominated markets for pickups, SUVs, and commercial vehicles—could be largely replaced by hydrogen-powered vehicles in the decades ahead. He predicts a significant ramp-up in hydrogen model sales between 2030 and 2035, as consumer preference and infrastructure mature.
Toyota is not alone in this thinking. Reports estimate the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle market will grow by nearly 20% annually through 2030, potentially reaching a value of over $20 billion. Hydrogen vehicles promise longer range and faster refuelling compared to battery electric cars, making them especially suitable for heavy-duty trucks, buses, and larger SUVs.
Toyota is aggressively investing in hydrogen technology, from manufacturing plants to strategic partnerships aimed at lowering costs and expanding fueling infrastructure worldwide. The company envisions hydrogen as a complementary clean energy solution alongside hybrids and battery electrics, each suited for different driving needs.
Toyota’s lineup already includes hydrogen models like the Mirai sedan and Sora bus, with plans to expand offerings to medium and heavy vehicles. The company’s goal is to see annual sales of hydrogen-powered vehicles grow to the hundreds of thousands by 2030.
Overall, Toyota's forecast signals that hydrogen cars could move from niche to mainstream in the coming decade, potentially transforming the automotive landscape once again beyond the battery electric revolution.
