Despite a growing wave of interest in alternative fuel vehicles, like EVs, hydrogen fuel cell cars are often left out of important conversations on fueling, maintenance and repair. As a result, many owners have been left to wonder — if my vehicle breaks down, will roadside assistance be able to help me?
The answer seems to be yes, but with a few major caveats. As a result, fuel cell vehicle owners may need specialized support services in the future.
Can Roadside Assistance Help Owners of Fuel Cell Vehicles?
The complexity of the problem with a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will determine how much roadside assistance can help.
For example, most alternative fuel vehicles, including EVs and hydrogen fuel cell cars, still rely on 12-volt batteries to power accessories. Almost all roadside assistance technicians can test, charge and replace them. If a hydrogen vehicle is behaving unusually due to a faulty battery, roadside assistance should be able to provide a quick fix.
The technician may also be able to diagnose and repair other simple problems — like a leaky tire.
However, the complexity of hydrogen fuel vehicles, and technicians unfamiliarity with their powertrains, may make even simple repairs difficult. As with EVs, where parts can be difficult to source and a simple repair may take weeks, hydrogen vehicles may require specialty components that technicians don’t have on hand.
Any problem with the hydrogen powertrain or fuel cell will likely require a tow to a dealership or specialist mechanic. Those that are particularly heavy or unusually shaped, as with the vehicles used for roadside maintenance operations, may require a specialty tow vehicle.
A hydrogen vehicle that runs out of fuel will also likely require a tow. Right now, there is no roadside assistance service that will provide emergency refueling for these cars. There are only 53 hydrogen fueling stations in Canada and the United States, so drivers may need to wait for a long-distance tow that can bring them to the closest one.
Specialized Roadside Assistance for Hydrogen Vehicles May Exist in the Future
Motor club AAA and other organizations that offer roadside assistance services are aware of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles — meaning that emergency refueling may emerge as an offered service in the future.
AAA Colorado recently signed a contract for new hydrogen-powered tow trucks and emergency service vehicles. They will offer a few advantages for the Colorado branch of the motor club, including greater resistance to cold temperatures and faster charging times for customers.
However, AAA — along with all other roadside assistance services — appears to offer no special support to members with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. By contrast, AAA’s site features many articles on EV maintenance. Until 2019, the company offered an emergency EV battery charging program for members.
While the program is no longer running, AAA Newsroom author Ellen Edmonds said the company “believes there is a place for mobile electric vehicle charging as part of our roadside assistance services” and is currently evaluating its options.
New services for alternative fuel vehicles like EVs may help pave the way for hydrogen fuel services in the future.
The unique needs of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will make these services a must for any owner. However, until they’re available, roadside assistance may be of limited use to these drivers.
Fuel Cell Vehicle Owners May Need to Prepare for Limited Support Options
Fuel cell vehicles have unique maintenance and repair needs, like EVs and other alternative fuel cars. As a result, roadside assistance services may only be able to provide limited help to those who break down.
Roadside assistance companies may soon begin providing services like emergency hydrogen refueling and support from specialist technicians. However, for the moment, most problems with a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will require a tow to a dealership, fueling station or specialty mechanic.
Jane Marsh, Contributor
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