Daimler CEO Champions Blue Hydrogen in Transport Revolution
Stuttgart, Wednesday, 1 October 2025.
Karin Rådström from Daimler Truck AG argues for blue hydrogen as key to sustainable transport. Without it, the industry risks failure in hitting eco-goals. Can hydrogen outpace electric solutions?
Blue Hydrogen: The Future of Transport?
Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck AG, recently sparked a lively debate about the role of blue hydrogen in the transport sector. In her LinkedIn post, she emphasized that relying solely on electric vehicles might not suffice to meet Europe’s sustainability targets. She highlighted three key advantages of hydrogen over electric solutions: the cost-effectiveness of building hydrogen infrastructure, Europe’s strategic position to import liquid hydrogen, and hydrogen’s suitability for certain heavy-duty transport applications that demand higher payloads and longer ranges [1].
A Controversial Stance
Rådström’s position has not been without its critics. A comprehensive analysis by Electrek challenges the notion that hydrogen infrastructure is more affordable than electric. The publication noted the existing reliance on renewable energy sources, which already supply 27-30% of Europe’s electricity [2]. Moreover, some industry leaders argue that the push for hydrogen might be driven more by maintaining current business models rather than a genuine commitment to sustainability [3].
Industry Support and Skepticism
Despite skepticism, support for hydrogen technology is growing. Daimler Truck AG has received significant government backing, including a €226 million grant to develop fuel cell trucks [1]. Meanwhile, the global hydrogen truck market is projected to skyrocket from $3.79 billion in 2024 to $50.78 billion by 2034, boasting a compound annual growth rate of 25.58% [4]. These figures illustrate a promising future, even as the debate around hydrogen’s viability continues.
The Road Ahead
As the transport industry evolves, the competition between electric and hydrogen solutions remains fierce. While electric vehicles currently dominate the market with a 97% share of commercial vehicle sales, hydrogen trucks are gaining traction, particularly for long-haul applications [4]. The future of transport may not be a simple choice between hydrogen and electric, but rather a ‘both-and’ scenario where each technology finds its niche. As we move forward, it will be intriguing to see how these paths develop and intersect.