A new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) currently carries a sticker price typically between $50,000 and $60,000 before any incentives. However, due to high upfront costs and limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, most people don't buy them outright. The more common and financially accessible path is through a lease, which often includes a generous hydrogen fuel card for the lease term, covering your fuel costs.
The price is significantly higher than a comparable battery-electric or gasoline vehicle because the technology is still in its early commercial stages. The fuel cell stack itself, which combines hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity, is complex and expensive to manufacture.
| Vehicle Model | Approximate MSRP | Key Purchase Consideration |
|---|
| Toyota Mirai | Starts around $50,000 | Often available with a $15,000 fuel card on purchase or included in leases. |
| Hyundai Nexo | Starts around $60,000 | Leasing is strongly emphasized, typically including up to $13,000 in hydrogen fuel credits. |
| Honda CR-V e:FCEV | Expected mid-$60,000s | New plug-in hybrid FCEV; lease-only initially with a $15,000 fuel card for 6 years. |
While federal and state incentives (like a potential $7,500 federal tax credit) can lower the effective cost, the real challenge is the Total Cost of Ownership. Hydrogen fuel prices are volatile and often high, sometimes equivalent to paying over $16 per gallon of gasoline, making the included fuel card in a lease critical. Your decision ultimately hinges on living near reliable hydrogen stations, as the infrastructure is currently concentrated almost exclusively in California.
