The deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles in Japan: revolution or transition

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss the revolutionary character of integrating hydrogen into the transport and mobility sectors. While the fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) often appears as a disruptive technological application, its deployment seems to rely on the ability of supporting policies to initiate a course of transition. To study this issue, the paper focuses on the Japanese program, its goals and hindrances. Examining some theoretical approaches, it attempts to analyse different potential drawbacks linked to the disruptive nature of FCEVs and then to study how overcome these obstacles.