Hydrogen engines are steadily emerging as a viable contender in the race toward sustainable transportation, particularly beyond the passenger vehicle market. While electric engines currently dominate the alternative energy landscape, hydrogen’s potential in heavy-duty transport, aviation, and industrial applications is garnering growing attention. In a notable development, two leading U.S. universities have joined forces to launch the Hydrogen Engine Alliance of North America (H2EA-NA), signaling a renewed national push for hydrogen innovation.
Hydrogen: A Clean Fuel with High Potential
Hydrogen technology, especially in the form of fuel cells, offers an appealing zero-emission solution. Water vapor is the only byproduct of hydrogen-powered engines. However, the environmental impact hinges on how the hydrogen is produced; only hydrogen derived from renewable sources can truly be considered green.
While battery-electric technology has advanced significantly in recent years, its application is still limited in sectors like aviation and long-haul freight. In these domains, the weight and size of battery systems are often impractical. Hydrogen, by contrast, offers a lightweight alternative with high energy density, making it an ideal candidate for powering aircraft and heavy vehicles.
U.S. Universities Unite to Launch Hydrogen Alliance
Earlier this year, the University of Michigan and the University of California, Riverside, together with key stakeholders, founded the H2EA-NA. The alliance aims to accelerate hydrogen engine development in the U.S., a field that has so far been dominated by pioneering work in Asia and Europe, particularly by automakers such as Toyota and Hyundai.
“Using hydrogen in internal combustion engines offers a low-carbon, long-term solution for transportation, particularly in applications where battery electric or fuel cell vehicles may not meet consumer performance requirements,” said André Boehman, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan.
In addition to advancing engine technology, the alliance is focused on addressing a critical hurdle: the lack of hydrogen infrastructure. While the core technology is mature, the fueling network required for widespread adoption remains underdeveloped.
“The U.S. has immense potential to lead in hydrogen fuel innovation, but significant barriers in infrastructure, policy, and public awareness have slowed progress,” noted Georgios Karavalakis, professor of chemical and environmental engineering at UC Riverside.
Global Collaborations Fuel the Clean Energy Race
Internationally, momentum is also building. Japanese automaker Yamaha has partnered with British brand Caterham to develop Project V, an electric sports coupe that reflects hydrogen’s crossover into high-performance luxury vehicles. Meanwhile, U.S.-based BorgWarner has announced a collaboration with three major Chinese automotive brands to supply electric motors for a range of hybrid and electric applications.
“We are pleased to extend our success in China with several new electric motor business wins for a variety of hybrid and electric applications,” said Dr. Stefan Demmerle, President and General Manager of BorgWarner PowerDrive Systems.
A Global Shift Toward Sustainability
These collaborations signal a broader industry trend: a move away from isolated innovation toward collective action in pursuit of carbon neutrality. As hydrogen and electric technologies evolve, strategic partnerships between academia, industry, and governments are proving essential to overcoming technical and logistical barriers.
In a sector historically driven by competition, today’s efforts underscore a shift in focus—prioritizing environmental sustainability alongside commercial success. With coordinated development and investment, alternative engines like hydrogen combustion and electric motors are poised to drive the next generation of clean transportation.