Introduction:For years, the debate raged about whether the future of long-distance transport would be electric or hydrogen-powered. Now, at the start of 2026, the answer is clear:They will both live togetherBut green hydrogen has taken over on heavy-duty routes.
Milestones achieved this year:Spain has established itself as thehubEurope’s hydrogen production. Flagship projects such as the plant25 MW powered by bp and Iberdrola, which comes into full operation this quarter, are guaranteeing for the first time a constant and competitive supply.
Why is this the year of change?
- Refueling Infrastructure:The deployment of the first 75 strategic “hydrogen stations” in Spain allows fuel cell trucks to operate in the main logistics corridors without fear of a lack of autonomy.
- Autonomy vs. Charge:Unlike battery-electric trucks, hydrogen allows for longer ranges than800 kmwith refueling times of less than 20 minutes, something vital for long-distance “just-in-time” logistics.
- HVO100 as a transition:As fleets are renewed, the use of advanced biofuels such as HVO100 (hydrotreated vegetable oil) is enabling companies to reduce their emissions by up to 90% immediately in current diesel engines.
Decarbonizing heavy goods transport is no longer a promise for 2030. With the technology available and the infrastructure in place, 2026 is the year that “clean transport” moves from the catalogs to the road.