A potential obstacle holding up the commercial release of hydrogen-fuelled cars in Europe has been cleared after the European Parliament approved an EU-wide technical standard for hydrogen vehicles.

MEPs were concerned that without such rules, each 27 EU member government might approve contrasting standards, preventing hydrogen models from being sold across Europe.

British Labour MEP Arlene McCarthy said: “When petrol prices in Europe have doubled and with ever growing concern about the effects of climate change it is clear we need new hopes for future fuels.”

EU researchers have claimed hydrogen vehicle use could reduce road transport oil consumption by 40% between now and 2050.