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LEIPZIG, Germany, May 6 (Yonhap) -- Automobile industry officials at this year's International Transport Forum (ITF) in Germany called on governments to expand infrastructure for both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, citing cost efficiency and complementary benefits.

Mark Freymueller, chief executive officer (CEO) of Hyundai Energy & Hydrogen Europe, and Peter Mackey, vice president of strategy and business management at France-based energy supplier Air Liquide S.A., spoke during a session titled "Hydrogen as an Enabler of a Resilient Transport System."

"Hydrogen is a complementary solution for the decarbonization of transport," Freymueller said. "We need alignment across infrastructure, vehicle development and government funding to build a viable hydrogen market."

This photo, taken May 6, 2026, shows Mark Freymueller (L), chief executive officer of Hyundai Energy & Hydrogen Europe, and Peter Mackey, vice president of strategy and business management at Air Liquide, answering questions during a session titled "Hydrogen as an Enabler of a Resilient Transport System" at the 2026 ITF Summit at the Congress Center Leipzig in Leipzig. (Yonhap)

Freymueller noted that while batteries are effective for short-term energy storage -- ranging from hours to a few days -- they are less suitable for long-term storage across seasons.

"This is where hydrogen comes into play, providing a complementary solution, particularly in transport and mobility," he said.

Experts at the forum said that developing infrastructure for both BEVs and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles could ultimately lower overall costs. They also emphasized the need for consistent and predictable hydrogen policies.

"It is important to view decarbonization as a growth driver," Mackey said. "Achieving scale in the hydrogen industry is essential to reducing costs."

Hyundai Motor Co. has been expanding its global hydrogen ecosystem through large-scale deployments in key markets, including North America and Europe.

In Europe, 165 Xcient fuel-cell trucks have logged a combined 20 million kilometers as of January. In North America, 63 units have accumulated 1.6 million kilometers over the same period.

Through its hydrogen brand and business platform, HTWO, Hyundai Motor Group said it will continue to deliver end-to-end solutions across the hydrogen value chain, supporting partnerships and investment.

As of March, Hyundai's cumulative domestic sales of hydrogen buses exceeded 3,000 units.

This file photo, provided by Hyundai Motor Co., shows an Xcient hydrogen fuel cell truck delivered to Uruguay's environment-friendly logistics project. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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