Establishing a hydrogen fuel cell station network of sufficient geographic saturation in Europe, the U.S., Japan and Korea by 2015 will be necessary to secure the success of fuel cell vehicles. Among a number of hydrogen cell vehicle test fleets in operation, Kia plans to increase its fleet number to 200 by 2010.

To expand the fuel cell infrastructure from highly populated areas along major traffic arteries by 2015 is necessary so that most of the network will be complete before the launch dates of the new FCEVs, including the Honda FCX Clarity. Although most of the earlier entries will be public transportation, private vehicles will quickly follow.

The companies who issued the letter of understanding to energy leaders expect that by 2015, there could be several hundred thousand FCEVs on roads with dealerships making a full marketing thrust. The success of test fleets and demonstration activities by utilities and fuel distribution companies is a strong predictor of the feasibility of fuel cell vehicles as a safe, economical and emission-free technology.