Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential of hydrogen fuel cell power sources for cars.

The development and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is at an earlier stage than for plug-in electric vehicles, but there are hydrogen cars available on the UK market and major vehicle manufacturers are publicising their plans to increase production and bring new models to market over the next few years. We are moving in step with international progress on standards and technology on hydrogen as a transport fuel, ensuring that the UK retains its position at the forefront of the adoption of zero emission technologies. The Government’s £23m Hydrogen for Transport Programme supports hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen refuelling stations. It is funding the expansion of the hydrogen refuelling network into new locations and supporting the deployment of 300 vehicles as well as innovation and growth of UK hydrogen supply chain and manufacturing.