Hydrogen is gaining attention as Malaysia explores lower-emission options for its transport industry. Naturally, this raises questions about long-distance trucking operations, refueling time and the infrastructure needed to keep vehicles moving. Recent developments offer an early look at where hydrogen mobility could fit into the country’s commercial transport plans.
Malaysia Takes Its First Step toward Hydrogen-Powered Transport
Putrajaya became the site of Peninsular Malaysia’s inaugural mobile hydrogen refueling pilot in May 2025. The facility was officially launched following a RM15 million investment, equivalent to approximately US$3.6 million.
With a daily dispensing capacity of 50kg, or around 110 pounds, of hydrogen per day, the facility provides a testing site for hydrogen vehicle demonstrations and research into the technology’s commercial potential. Toyota Mirai fuel-cell electric vehicles were supplied for road trials to help assess how hydrogen-powered vehicles perform under local driving conditions.
A separate agreement between PLUS Malaysia Berhad and Gentari, signed at COP28 in 2023, also explored low-carbon mobility and hydrogen solutions across PLUS-operated highways. The MoU included plans to explore expanding EV charging facilities.
What Could Hydrogen Mean for Long-Distance Trucking?
Hydrogen could offer an advantage for trucks that cover long distances and operate on demanding schedules. Refueling can take only a few minutes, making the process more comparable to diesel refueling than to the longer charging times required by large-battery EVs. Faster turnaround could help fleet operators reduce downtime and keep vehicles on delivery schedules.
In addition to fast refueling time, hydrogen-powered vehicles could help reduce fuel consumption and operating emissions, potentially lowering costs and supporting compliance with changing emissions regulations. The fuel has been attracting interest in adjacent industries as well. Construction equipment manufacturers, for example, are developing electric models and investing in hydrogen combustion engines to reduce emissions and fuel use, particularly at sites with limited access to charging facilities.
These developments suggest hydrogen could have applications beyond passenger transport, including heavy-duty trucking. The financial benefits for fleet operators will depend on hydrogen prices, vehicle efficiency and route requirements. Still, the technology could offer another option for managing fuel costs and reducing the environmental impact of commercial transport.
Malaysia is already seeing early signs of hydrogen use in commercial transport. A June 2026 report by The Edge identified a converted hydrogen truck operated by logistics company Biforce among the few hydrogen-powered vehicles operating in Peninsular Malaysia. Two modified transit vehicles, managed by Prasarana and the Sarawak Metro assembler SKS, were also introduced to the growing fleet. These projects offer examples of hydrogen technology being tested in commercial transport, although adoption remains limited.
The Challenges of Bringing Hydrogen Trucks to Malaysian Roads
The main obstacle is the limited refueling network. As of November 2026, the Putrajaya mobile hydrogen refueling station is the only operating hydrogen refueling station in Peninsular Malaysia. That leaves long-distance operators with few refueling options along major freight routes.
A hydrogen refueling network along the North-South Expressway, which spans 748km, or roughly 464 miles, along the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia and connects Kuala Lumpur with Penang, could make the technology more practical for freight operators. Stations at strategic points along the highway would allow hydrogen trucks to refuel during long-haul journeys.
Fuel supply and cost present another challenge. Malaysia produces hydrogen for industrial applications, but transport requires suitable production, storage and distribution systems. Gaps across these parts of the supply chain make large-scale adoption difficult. Vehicle costs, maintenance facilities and technician training will also affect fleet decisions. Operators need confidence that fuel and servicing will remain accessible throughout a truck's working life.
Could Hydrogen Change the Future of Commercial Transport?
Hydrogen could become another powertrain option for Malaysia’s commercial vehicle industry. Battery-electric trucks may suit predictable routes with access to depot charging, while hydrogen could serve operations that require longer range and shorter refueling stops. Diesel is likely to remain important for many fleets because it has an established supply network and a shelf life of one year when stored in a cool, dry place.
The development of hydrogen transport could also create demand for new vehicle components, refueling services, workshop equipment and technical training. Manufacturers, logistics companies and commercial vehicle suppliers will need to monitor these developments as pilot projects provide more information about vehicle performance, fuel availability and operating costs. This will help the industry assess where hydrogen-powered trucks could make commercial sense.
The Road Ahead Runs on Hydrogen
Malaysia’s Putrajaya station provides the country with a foundation for testing hydrogen mobility, and early commercial vehicle projects have already shown how the technology could extend beyond passenger cars. Wider use will depend on accessible refueling, dependable fuel supply and costs that make sense for fleet operators. For now, hydrogen remains an emerging option, but its progress deserves attention across Malaysia’s trucking and logistics industries.
Images sourced from:
https://unsplash.com/photos/two-semi-trucks-driving-on-a-highway-P0bVatS8Jdw
https://unsplash.com/photos/a-couple-of-trucks-that-are-sitting-in-the-street-4DdUAl4eORE
https://unsplash.com/photos/kuala-lumpur-skyline-with-highway-infrastructure-1FZy3t4g7eY
