Malta’s Lost Opportunity: How Hydrogen Cars Were Sidelined in Favour of Dependence on EU and U.S. Policies

During Donald Trump’s presidency, the United States witnessed an increased interest in vehicle hydrogen technology. The Trump administration fostered an environment conducive to developing and introducing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). Notably, Toyota, a global leader in hydrogen-powered technology, was permitted to export its hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as the Toyota Mirai, to select U.S. states. These vehicles, which utilise hydrogen to produce energy while emitting only water vapour, were often colloquially described in Malta and other regions as “cars that run on water.”

However, with Joe Biden’s election, the U.S. government pivoted sharply toward electric vehicles (EVs). The Biden administration, emphasising climate action and carbon reduction, directed substantial investments into electric vehicles as part of its broader green energy policy. This shift sidelined hydrogen fuel cell technology despite its potential advantages, such as faster refuelling times and longer ranges than many EVs.

A prominent case underscoring this transition involves allocating federal funds for electrifying the U.S. Postal Service fleet. Reports indicate that the Biden administration earmarked $3 billion to purchase 93 electric mail trucks, translating to a staggering $32 million per truck. These figures have sparked controversy and raised questions about fiscal oversight and the efficiency of public spending. Growing calls for investigations into the Biden administration’s spending on electric vehicle initiatives reflect increasing scrutiny. Critics argue that every government department involved in EV procurement should undergo a comprehensive audit to ensure accountability.

What remains largely overlooked is the ripple effect of U.S. policy decisions on other regions, mainly Europe. As the Biden administration rejected hydrogen vehicles in favour of electric cars, the European Union (EU) appeared to follow suit. While hydrogen technology has not been outright banned in Europe, it has faced regulatory and infrastructural challenges that have stifled its adoption. Under Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership, the EU has prioritised electric vehicles through extensive funding, infrastructure development, and policy incentives, such as emissions targets that strongly favour EVs. This has led to hydrogen technology receiving comparatively less attention despite its potential role in achieving decarbonisation goals.

As an EU member state, Malta has similarly aligned its policies with the European Union’s. Consequently, the importation and development of hydrogen-powered vehicles remain practically nonexistent on the island. This raises concerns about Malta’s energy and transportation autonomy as broader EU and U.S. policy frameworks increasingly dictate its adoption of innovative alternatives. This alignment reflects a subservient relationship, with Malta and Europe acting as passive adherents to decisions shaped in Washington.

The debate between hydrogen technology and electric vehicles remains unresolved. Hydrogen-powered cars offer several advantages, particularly regarding rapid refuelling and clean emissions. Still, they require substantial infrastructure investments, such as hydrogen refuelling stations, which are limited in both Europe and the U.S. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, benefit from significant financial backing and infrastructural momentum but continue to face challenges related to battery production recycling and energy grid demands.

Ultimately, excluding hydrogen technology from mainstream policy discussions in Malta and the EU may have long-term implications. Policymakers must critically evaluate whether reliance on electric vehicles alone serves the island’s long-term economic, environmental, and technological interests.