Fuel cell cars will begin testing with fleets within the next decade and will be a common sight on UK roads by 2030, according to Honda’s manager, corporate operations.

Graham Avent points to Honda’s own FCX Clarity which is already on trial and describes the technology as “the most important since cars were invented”.

He added: “We can already see worldwide issues with oil and we will see Governments looking for a way to promote cleaner energy.”

Honda has been offering alternative fuel cars for the past decade with its Insight hybrid and believes that by 2020 hybrids and electric vehicles will be the company car of choice.

“Perceptions will change in the same way that perceptions changed with the view over dirty diesels,” said Avent.

“It will help when the Government starts to introduce incentives for the energy companies to create the infrastructure.”