PHINIA talk about the future of hydrogen engines

After PHINIA showcased its hydrogen and alternative fuel innovations at Hyvolution Paris 2026, PMF was intrigued about the potential impact of hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines in the future. As a result, we put some questions to Vice President and General Manager of PHINIA’s global aftermarket business, Neil Fryer.

Q. Does PHINIA expect hydrogen ICE technologies to generate demand in the independent aftermarket?

A. Hydrogen is a key development area for PHINIA, offering a practical bridge to low-carbon mobility where battery power isn’t viable. To drive meaningful carbon reduction in the automotive industry, a pragmatic, stepwise approach is essential. Hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engines (H2ICE) are increasingly recognised as a critical technology option, particularly in hard-to-electrify sectors, such as heavy-duty and off-highway.

Industry forecasts predict the global H2ICE market to expand rapidly, with sales in North America and Europe projected to increase more than 61-fold in the heavy-duty and truck market between 2025 and 2034, according to Frost & Sullivan.

This acceleration is driven by the technology’s ability to leverage the mature ICE supply chain, infrastructure and industry knowledge base while delivering near-zero carbon emissions. The reuse of existing manufacturing and servicing ecosystems directly benefits the independent aftermarket by preserving technician skill relevance and enabling a smooth service transition.

As H2ICE adoption grows, the aftermarket is positioned to see increasing demand for hydrogen-specific service parts and maintenance, especially across commercial fleets, which is where we currently see a lot of the demand for the technology. Fleet operators and OEMs are already investing heavily, with over 1,200 vehicles globally integrating hydrogen ICE technology as of recent assessments.

We continue to actively research sustainable aftermarket solutions for alternative fuels, like hydrogen, to support workshops in servicing the low-emission vehicles already on our roads, ultimately continuing PHINIA’s mission to reduce carbon emissions for a cleaner world.

Q Which hydrogen-specific components are most likely to become regular service and replacement parts?

A As the global vehicle parc grows increasingly fragmented, the aftermarket has an important role to play in that it must serve both ageing ICE vehicles running on traditional fuels and a diverse pool of lower-carbon propulsion systems. As the market transitions, there will be an increased need for sustainability-focused solutions, including remanufactured parts and low-emission technologies, like those associated specifically with H2ICE.

Hydrogen ICE vehicles will introduce several components unique to the fuel system. Key parts likely to see regular servicing or replacement include high-pressure hydrogen injectors, fuel lines and regulators, specialised valves and fuel engine components. While the engine itself shares many similarities with conventional ICEs, these hydrogen-specific elements will require dedicated attention, creating new opportunities for aftermarket and service providers.

Q. What new skills, safety training or tooling will independent workshops need to service H2ICE vehicles?

A. Hydrogen fuel systems operate under different pressures and have distinct characteristics compared to traditional fuels, which necessitate careful attention to certain components, such as hydrogen tanks, regulators, and injectors. Regular inspections, pressure testing and leak detection are critical to ensure safety and maintain performance. At the same time, many of the maintenance practices that technicians already use for traditional ICE vehicles remain highly relevant and transferable.

However, while much of the foundational knowledge from traditional ICE maintenance remains relevant, it’s still essential that independent workshops participate in specialised training focused on hydrogen fuel systems, leak detection and emergency procedures. Further to this, technicians will also require access to hydrogen-specific inspection tools, wrenches and monitoring equipment to ensure safe and reliable servicing.

The beauty of H2ICE technology is that it allows workshops to leverage existing expertise built over more than a century of ICE development. Unlike EVs or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, which demand entirely new skill sets, H2ICE maintenance builds directly on familiar practices, with the training primarily focused on hydrogen-specific safety protocols and system nuances.

This ability to translate established expertise means workshops can use their existing ICE experience while gradually adapting to the unique requirements of hydrogen, allowing the aftermarket to confidently support a growing fleet of low-emission vehicles. Supported by in-house IMI-accredited H2 training courses, we share our experience and knowledge by training industry experts at our dedicated training centres.

Q. How viable is retrofit for existing LCVs and is this a realistic aftermarket opportunity?

A. Retrofit solutions for LCVs are technically feasible but complex, requiring careful planning and specialised expertise. Converting an existing diesel or petrol vehicle to a hydrogen ICE requires installation of high-pressure hydrogen tanks, modified fuel delivery systems, updated engine components for hydrogen-specific operation and calibrating the engine to operate efficiently with hydrogen.

We have been actively involved in demonstrating the practicality of these retrofits; for example, a 1,000km test in France validated the real-world performance of an LCV retrofitted with a hydrogen internal combustion engine. Through rapid refuelling, durability and scalability, the test showcased potential for cleaner, high-performance transport, paving the way for a more sustainable transport industry.

Additionally, our first-of-its-kind Jeep Cherokee retrofit further showcased the potential of extending vehicle life while reducing emissions.

While the retrofit market is still emerging, our hands-on experience allows for an optimistic outlook. For fleet operators, retrofitting offers a way to adopt cleaner mobility without fully replacing existing vehicles, and this creates a growing opportunity for the independent aftermarket to support sustainable solutions in a cost-effective way.

Q. Can existing aftermarket diagnostic equipment be adapted for hydrogen systems, or will specialist tools be required?

A. As vehicles become increasingly complex, we see digital tools, diagnostics and software solutions becoming critical, particularly in markets with high rates of technological adoption, such as Europe and North America. These tools and solutions enable workshops to efficiently maintain and repair vehicles while keeping pace with rapid technological advancements in propulsion systems.

While some conventional diagnostic equipment can monitor basic engine performance, hydrogen ICE systems introduce additional requirements due to the high-pressure nature of fuel storage and supply and their specific handling characteristics. Components, such as high-pressure fuel lines, injectors, and regulators, may require enhanced monitoring capabilities, particularly around pressure management and leak detection. While the adaptation of existing tools is possible in many cases, workshops will need to ensure their tools are capable of safely and accurately assessing hydrogen-specific systems.