Largest hydrogen taxi operator transitions to electric vehicles, cites high costs as primary reason.
In a surprising turn of events, Hype, the Paris-based hydrogen taxi company that once operated the world's largest fleet of hydrogen taxis, has announced a major pivot towards battery-electric vehicles. This shift comes in response to the high costs of hydrogen fuel, a problem the company attributed to a "form of oligopoly" held by incumbent hydrogen producers and distributors such as TotalEnergies and Air Liquide.
The decision to abandon hydrogen fuel cell taxis was not an easy one for Hype, which had initially partnered with mining giant Anglo American for a major expansion of its hydrogen fleet. The company had also collaborated with automotive giants like Toyota and Hyundai, and even served as the official taxi operator for the Paris Olympics. However, the financial and infrastructural challenges surrounding hydrogen fuel proved significant barriers.
The shift towards electric vehicles reflects broader trends where electric technology, infrastructure, and government policies are advancing rapidly, making electrification a more feasible and affordable path for urban mobility companies. This transition is not unprecedented; Giles Parkinson, the founder and editor of The Driven and Renew Economy, who also owns a Tesla Model 3, is among those who have already made the switch.
Hype's website states that it had deployed over 700 taxis in the Paris and surrounding areas, installed 10 green hydrogen charging stations, and expanded to Brussells and Bordeaux. The company had plans to have 26 hydrogen charging stations in the Ile-de-France by the end of 2026. However, with the expiration of promotional agreements for free hydrogen fuel and the tapering off of EU subsidies, Hype confronted massive operational deficits due to the disappearance of artificially favorable economic conditions.
Agencies shifted their funding priorities towards more scalable and economically sustainable electric vehicle infrastructure, leading Hype to pivot towards battery-electric vehicles as the only economically feasible alternative. The company suspended its hydrogen operations in Paris in June 2025.
Despite the setbacks, Hype continues to describe itself as a "global showcase" for the benefits of hydrogen mobility. The company was launched in Paris in 2015 during the UN climate talks, and its hydrogen taxis have been a significant part of the city's green mobility efforts. As Hype moves forward with its electric fleet, it will be interesting to see how the hydrogen fuel cell industry adapts to the changing landscape.
Michael Barnard, a contributor to The Driven's sister site Renew Economy, and a writer on Cleantechnica, will no doubt be following this development closely.
- Hype's pivot towards battery-electric vehicles is influenced by the rapid advancement and affordability of electric technology in the industry.
- The high costs of hydrogen fuel, attributed to a "form of oligopoly" held by incumbent hydrogen producers like TotalEnergies and Air Liquide, were significant barriers for Hype's hydrogen fleet.
- In response to funding priorities shifting towards scalable and economically sustainable electric vehicle infrastructure, Hype suspended its hydrogen operations and opted for battery-electric vehicles as the only feasible alternative.
- Despite abandoning hydrogen fuel cell taxis, Hype continues to champion the benefits of hydrogen mobility,positioning itself as a global showcase for hydrogen mobility solutions.
