Success Factors of Adopting Hydrogen Fuel Cars in Central Europe – An Analysis Regarding the Criteria of Purchasing Alternative Drivetrains

Abstract

Current mobility is undergoing a transformation encompassing a multi-tude of elements, namely because of societal and governmental initia-tives to make car-based personal transportation more sustainable and less resource-intensive. Drivetrain technology, the main component in automotive vehicles, however, alters fuel supply, infrastructure, supply chains, and even convenience aspects, which were previously taken for granted, causing new challenges. On the basis of the literature around the subject of effective customer acceptance of battery-powered cars and the technological aspects of hydrogen fuel cell vehi-cles, a questionnaire consisting of eleven questions was developed. Items cover overall ecological, economic, and convenience-related concerns to evaluate current consumer expectations and knowledge level about hydrogen transportation. Results reveal, that in hydrogen mobility needs to fulfil the criteria of price stable hydrogen, made pos-sible by domestic and thereby resilient supply chains, actually allowing to provide an environmentally friendly individual transport in the first place. Additionally, existing benefits of current gen vehicles (combus-tion and battery electric vehicles), namely the aspect of safety and re-duced noise emissions are well appreciated by consumers. These re-sults outline what governmental institutions of all levels must prioritize in their adapted policymaking to further decarbonize transportation and openly promote hydrogen as an innovative fuel in Central Europe.