Bosch: ‘We’re Still Heavily Involved in Hydrogen’ as Trucking’s Future Fuel

Bosch remains committed to developing hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel solution for heavy-duty trucking, even as the industry grapples with slow growth and regulatory uncertainties. Speaking ahead of CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Paul Thomas, President of Bosch North America, reaffirmed the company's focus on hydrogen, highlighting its potential despite limited infrastructure and adoption hurdles.

Advancements in Hydrogen Technology

Bosch is actively working on innovative hydrogen engine solutions, including the development of H2 injection systems. A new direct injector, designed to launch in 2026, eliminates the need for additional lubrication and represents a significant step forward. Hydrogen-powered engines with Bosch's intake manifold injection technology are also slated to debut this year.

Additionally, Bosch Rexroth, a subsidiary of Bosch, has collaborated with FirstElement Fuel to improve hydrogen refueling efficiency. Traditional hydrogen fueling processes can lose 60-70% of energy, but the new cryopump technology compresses hydrogen at 700 bar, allowing faster refueling while maintaining sub-cooled temperatures. This innovation simplifies the complex hydrogen refueling process and makes it more practical for Class 8 vehicles.

Challenges in Adoption

The hydrogen trucking industry faces a “chicken-or-egg” dilemma: limited fueling infrastructure deters fleets from investing in hydrogen-powered trucks, while slow truck adoption discourages infrastructure development. Currently, public hydrogen fueling stations are concentrated near California ports, leaving large gaps in national coverage. Bosch is closely monitoring these trends and collaborating with the Department of Energy (DOE) to promote hydrogen production and infrastructure development.

President Joe Biden's administration has taken steps to support hydrogen with an $8 billion investment in regional hydrogen hubs. However, with President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming administration, the future of federal hydrogen initiatives remains uncertain. Trump has previously criticized hydrogen investments, raising concerns about potential policy reversals or delays.

Collaborations and Industry Impact

Bosch continues to partner with major players in the commercial vehicle market, including Nikola, which relies on Bosch’s hydrogen fuel cell stacks for its Class 8 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Nikola sold 88 FCEVs in the third quarter of 2024, showcasing early traction in the hydrogen trucking market. Despite this progress, much of the industry remains cautious, waiting for clearer regulatory guidelines and expanded infrastructure.

The Regulatory Debate

Hydrogen’s classification as a zero-emission fuel remains under scrutiny, as its environmental impact depends on how it’s produced. Discussions with regulators are ongoing to determine whether hydrogen combustion engines can qualify as zero-emission solutions. Bosch remains optimistic but acknowledges that regulatory decisions will significantly influence the pace of hydrogen adoption in trucking.

Through its technological innovations and partnerships, Bosch aims to position hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel for long-haul trucking, even amid the current challenges. The company’s efforts highlight the potential for hydrogen to play a critical role in the transition to cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions.

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Source:

https://www.fleetowner.com/emissions-efficiency/article/55253209/bosch-remains-committed-to-hydrogen-fuel-for-trucking-despite-regulatory-uncertainty