Frequently asked questions
About hydrogen
Why is hydrogen fuel a good alternative to diesel or petrol?
Hydrogen contains no carbon so replaces diesel or petrol with a zero-emission tailpipe fuel that delivers the high power, long range and rapid refuelling needed for heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. Unlike battery-only solutions, hydrogen is ideal for demanding applications where long operating hours, flexibility and performance can’t be compromised, making it a practical route to achieving zero emissions.
Is hydrogen a cost-effective solution for the transition to net-zero?
Yes, particularly when you take account of all the aspects of owning, maintaining and transitioning whole fleets of vehicles and equipment to zero-carbon. As part of this, as ULEMCo’s technologies upgrade or upcycle current assets and existing powertrain approaches, they avoid the cost, complexity and disruption of full replacements. This means fleet operators can achieve significant emissions reductions with far lower capital outlay that other alternatives. Please contact us to explore how using hydrogen across a fleet can deliver cost-effective decarbonisation
Is hydrogen safe to use?
Yes. When handled properly, hydrogen is as safe as other fuels, if not safer. ULEMCo’s technologies comply with recognised safety standards and best practice, with rigorous testing and safety processes built into every solution.
Upgrading and upcycling service
What’s the difference between upgrading and upcycling?
Upgrading means enhancing an existing vehicle or machine to reduce emissions – this might include adding a Fuel Cell Range Extension to an electric vehicle, or converting a diesel engine to run partly on hydrogen using a dual-fuel system. It improves the environmental performance without replacing the whole system.
Upcycling goes a step further. It involves removing the traditional engine and replacing it entirely with a new zero-emission hydrogen powertrain, while retaining the rest of the vehicle or equipment. It’s a full transformation that gives a second life to valuable assets.
Why would I choose to upgrade or upcycle instead of buying new?
Upgrading or upcycling is often more cost-effective and environmentally responsible than replacing vehicles or equipment entirely. It helps preserve assets that still have useful life, avoids unnecessary waste, and minimises operational disruption.
By focusing on the fuel and emissions challenge – rather than scrapping the whole machine – you can transition to lower carbon operations without rethinking your entire fleet strategy. It’s a smart, practical way to decarbonise while continuing business as usual.
If you’d like to explore how upgrading or upcycling could benefit your fleet, feel free to get in touch with our team.
Can I convert my existing vehicles or equipment to run on hydrogen?
In many cases, yes. ULEMCo’s hydrogen systems are based on proven technologies adapted for hydrogen use, that have been successfully deployed across multiple sectors, helping fleet operators reduce emissions at the same time as saving the embedded carbon from the original manufacture. Contact us to find about the real-world examples and specific vehicles and equipment that can be upgraded or upcycled.
Can you convert electric vehicles to hydrogen?
This is not generally possible at the moment. However, we offer our Fuel Cell Range Extension (FCRx®) upgrade solution, which adds hydrogen-powered capability to electric vehicles. This provides additional range and flexibility without compromising zero-emission operation.
Costs, support and other practicalities
How do the costs of zero-carbon technologies compare with conventional diesel vehicles?
ransitioning to net zero is a significant challenge, especially when moving away from well-established, mass-produced diesel technologies that have been refined over many years.
Zero-carbon solutions, including hydrogen and battery electric vehicles, are still developing and currently tend to involve higher upfront costs.
However, hydrogen technology offers a unique advantage in closely aligning with existing business operations, such as refuelling times, vehicle range, and power requirements. This means the overall cost of change can be lower than other zero-emission alternatives.
When evaluating cost, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership rather than just individual elements like fuel or electricity prices. This broader view includes factors such as maintenance, operational efficiency, asset life extension through upgrading or upcycling, and potential incentives, providing a more accurate picture of value over the vehicle’s lifetime.
If you’re interested in understanding how zero-carbon technologies could fit your budget and operations, contact our team.
Will having hydrogen on board affect my insurance?
In our experience, customers have not found significant issues with insurance. We support customers through the process to explain the risks and the implications of hydrogen fuelled assets being added to their fleets, with the most common outcome being a slight adjustment being needed for additional capital value of the assets, due to the upgrade.
Can you help with funding or making the business case for hydrogen?
Yes. We stay up to date with available funding and support schemes that may help with the cost of conversion. We can also assist in building your business case by looking at total cost of ownership, operational benefits, and the added value of reducing your carbon footprint.
Can you supply your technologies to companies outside the UK?
Yes. We already work with partners internationally. Please contact us to discuss what’s possible in your location.
About hydrogen refuelling
How do the risks of using hydrogen compare to diesel or other fuels?
Like any combustible fuel, hydrogen carries risks, but when properly handled, it is no more hazardous than diesel, petrol, or CNG. In fact, hydrogen is lighter than air and disperses quickly if released, reducing some risks compared to liquid fuels. With the right training and equipment, hydrogen is a safe and effective fuel option, already used in vehicles around the world.
Is it difficult to refuel a hydrogen vehicle?
Not at all. Refuelling with hydrogen is very similar to filling up with LPG or CNG. The nozzle connects securely to the vehicle, and the system manages the refuelling process safely. We provide familiarisation training to ensure you’re completely comfortable with the process.
How long does it take to refuel?
A key benefit of hydrogen fuel is that it can be refuelled in a similar way to diesel and petrol and therefore will typically only take less than 10 minutes. Of course, that depends on how much fuel you need to take on board at the time.
What if there are no hydrogen stations near me?
There are several options. For trials or occasional use, public stations are ideal, and the network is steadily growing. For fleets or regular use, it’s possible to install refuelling facilities at your depot or base. We can advise on the best, most cost-effective solution to suit your operation.