Public Support for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks in South Korea Gains Momentum Amid Decarbonization Efforts

Strong Public Support for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks

In a recent study conducted by researchers at the Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH), findings reveal a significant willingness among South Korean households to pay for the expansion of hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks. The research emerges from ongoing global efforts aimed at combating the pressing challenges posed by climate change through a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Governments around the world are stepping up their commitment to decreasing transportation emissions, particularly from heavy-duty trucks, which account for a notable portion of pollution in the mobility sector. The conventional vehicles, predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, are gradually being replaced with low-carbon alternatives such as battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The transition to hydrogen fuel cells is crucial, given their potential to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.

In line with these efforts, the South Korean government has unveiled an ambitious plan targeting freight transport decarbonization. By aiming to deploy 30,000 hydrogen fuel cell trucks by 2040, the government hopes to reduce reliance on conventional diesel-powered vehicles, potentially curbing carbon dioxide emissions in the sector by approximately 8.74 million tons.

The researchers utilized a contingent valuation method to assess public acceptance. This widely recognized economic approach focuses on evaluating the willingness to pay for non-market goods. They conducted one-on-one interviews with 1,000 households throughout South Korea in 2024 to determine how much individuals would be prepared to contribute yearly via income tax to support the hydrogen truck initiative. Results from this study were made available online on September 29, 2025, and were subsequently published in the journal Transport Policy.

Professor Yoo, a lead researcher, emphasized the uniqueness of this study, stating, "This is the first study to quantitatively analyze public acceptance for the expansion of hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks rather than passenger vehicles or buses." The analysis revealed an average annual willingness to pay per household of KRW 3,121 (approximately USD 2.28) from 2024 to 2033. When aggregated, this amounts to a remarkable present value of KRW 572.4 billion (USD 418.4 million) when discounted at a 4.5% social rate.

Notably, the estimated willingness to pay for each ton of carbon dioxide reduction stands at KRW 65,465 (USD 47.85), which starkly outpaces the current carbon credit price of KRW 9,245 (USD 6.76) per ton. These figures suggest that despite the high initial costs associated with the vehicles and necessary refueling infrastructure, the investment in expanding hydrogen fuel cell trucks could be immensely beneficial from a societal perspective.

Beyond economic valuation, the study also addresses practical challenges in adopting this cleaner technology. One significant barrier is the limited availability of large-scale hydrogen fueling stations, which are predominantly situated in bus depots, thereby restricting access for freight vehicles. As a recommendation, the researchers advocate for the expansion or relocation of these fueling stations along critical logistics routes. Furthermore, aligning the acquisition tax reductions for hydrogen trucks with those already in place for hydrogen buses may further incentivize logistics companies to embrace this technology.

In conclusion, this research plays a vital role in fostering the decarbonization of the logistics sector, emphasizing the broader benefits for public health and environmental sustainability. With heavy-duty trucks being major sources of pollution, transitioning to cleaner alternatives could lead to markedly improved air quality and postponed impacts of climate change. Additionally, findings indicate that residents within the Seoul Metropolitan Area display a higher willingness to pay, suggesting that focused educational efforts in non-metropolitan regions over the next five to ten years will be essential to achieve widespread national support for carbon neutrality initiatives.

Reference:
Public Acceptance Towards Expanding Hydrogen Fuel Cell Heavy-Duty Trucks in South Korea: A Monetary Assessment Based on Willingness to Pay, Transport Policy, DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.103831.

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Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH) is dedicated to advancing scientific research and technology.