Japan, China and South Korea have set ambitious targets to put millions of hydrogen-powered vehicles on their roads by the end of the next decade at a cost of billions of dollars.

But to date, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have been upstaged by electric vehicles, which are increasingly becoming a mainstream option due to the success of Tesla Inc.¡¯s luxury cars as well as sales and production quotas set by China.

Critics argue that FCVs may never amount to more than a niche technology. But proponents counter that hydrogen is the cleanest energy source for autos available, and with time and more refueling infrastructure it will gain acceptance.