In autumn 2024, BMW announced building a hydrogen car with a fuel cell in cooperation with Toyota, with series production scheduled four years from now. Hydrogen (H2), especially when produced using green electricity, is extremely attractive from a climate protection perspective: vehicles powered by it emit nothing but water. And even releasing the gas into the atmosphere, for example before a planned service appointment, is completely harmless.

However, the gas can cause serious problems in enclosed spaces in the car dealership and inside the workshop. Should car dealerships and garages therefore prepare for the technology soon? Are there any safety aspects to consider? Do structural measures need to be taken? As car dealership experts, we say: ‘yes’, ‘yes’ and ‘that depends’.

Challenge: Recognising and eliminating risks posed by hydrogen

Hydrogen is a non-toxic gas. However, an uncontrolled release inside the car dealership can be problematic: high concentrations of inhaled hydrogen can cause oxygen deficiency and, in the worst case, a risk of suffocation.

Hydrogen is also extremely flammable. The gas is around 14 times lighter than air, it rises quickly, spreads rapidly and diffuses strongly. In closed rooms, it can accumulate under the ceiling and form an explosive atmosphere. This must be avoided as a matter of urgency.

Solution: Ventilate, warn, avoid ignition sources

The risk of explosion in particular should be taken seriously, as hydrogen has neither colour nor smell and leaks are often noticed late or not at all. Car dealerships must therefore take appropriate safety precautions. The basis is always a careful risk assessment. Three steps are useful in any case:

1. H2 vehicles and containers must be parked in well-ventilated areas. Hydrogen tanks of incoming vehicles should be emptied outside.
2. Primary protective measures such as H2 sensors are essential inside the workshop. If necessary, the gas must be extracted quickly so that it does not reach the explosion limit.
3. Measures must also be taken against potential ignition sources and electrostatic charging.

Result: Security through timely preparation

Garages and car dealerships should get to grips with new technologies at an early stage in order to position themselves well for the future and work profitably throughout. Hydrogen technology certainly requires safety precautions; in principle, the requirements for high-voltage drives are being tightened. Our senior consultant André Glanz therefore advises:

The dealers don't need to panic about hydrogen, but they should take the dangers seriously. Some safety steps have probably already been taken during the preparation for electric vehicles. However, the structural situation and ventilation options are different in every workshop. The possibilities for an economical solution for the required safety measures also vary greatly from location to location. Companies are therefore well advised to scrutinise their individual situation, comply with (new) safety processes and equip workplaces and workshops accordingly.

What happens next?

We have been advising vehicle manufacturers and car dealerships for over 17 years and ensure understanding and compliance with standards through expertise and respect. Interested? You can reach us by telephone on +49 (0)89 716 77 97 00 and by e-mail: [email protected]