China’s central government announced that it aims to have more than 100,000 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in circulation nationwide by 2030, more than double the estimated 40,000 FCEVs currently in use, according to local reports citing a circular issued jointly by three key departments, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. At the end of 2025, there were 574 hydrogen stations across the country, with a combined refuelling capacity of around 360 metric tons daily.

The government said it aims to develop hydrogen into a new driver of economic growth by broadening the use of hydrogen energy, and has set a maximum hydrogen retail/end-user price target of CNY 25 (US$3.6) per kg nationwide by 2030, while for “advantageous regions” the maximum price target has been set at CNY 15/kg (US$ 2.2).

The Chinese government said the adoption of hydrogen energy is in its early stages, in part due to high costs, and difficulties in storage and transportation. The central government will provide grants for the establishment of pilot urban “hydrogen clusters” that encourage and prioritise the use of hydrogen as a fuel for vehicles, industrial usage, and innovative applications. Each cluster will be provided with up to CNY 1.6 billion (US$ 232 million) in central government incentives over a period of four years.