Hydrogen scams and hard facts: Nikola, Plug Power, First Hydrogen

Nikola: Dead cats don't climb trees

Many investors still remember Nikola for a promotional video in which the manufacturer let a truck roll down a hill instead of powering it with hydrogen or battery electricity. Since that incident, the Company has been hard hit. Four new CEOs within four years speaks volumes. Most recently, there were signs of a turnaround - the share climbed from EUR 0.48 to over EUR 2 within a very short time. However, a recall for e-trucks recently sent the share back into the cellar. Although the stock still has catch-up potential from a purely technical point of view, the Company is also in serious trouble - its image and products are viewed skeptically. Nikola is, therefore, only something for gamblers.

First Hydrogen: Hydrogen van test runs with positive interim results

By contrast, things are looking much better for First Hydrogen. The Company focuses on light commercial vehicles powered by hydrogen. It has ambitious goals: Starting in fiscal 2025/2026, First Hydrogen aims to deliver between 10,000 and 20,000 units of its First Hydrogen Utility Van annually. To this end, First Hydrogen is cooperating with Ballard Power and AVL Powertrain and is currently conducting tests under real road conditions in the UK.

As the research portal researchanalyst.com reports, so far, two out of sixteen fleet operators have tested the first-generation prototypes on British roads. Other interested parties are yet to come forward. Telematics data to date gives reason for hope. First Hydrogen's van achieved a range of 630 km on just one tank - comparable electric vans would only manage around 240 km, according to researchanalyst.com. Users who have already driven the prototype also point to the short refueling time** compared to the charging breaks typical of e-cars.

First Hydrogen also outperforms competitors on the stock market

First Hydrogen's stock impresses with its great relative strength compared to other companies in industry. A chart by researchanalyst.com shows that the stock significantly outperformed the competition from Plug Power, Ballard Power, Daimler Truck and McPhy. "With the extremely successful start of test drives of the prototypes under real road conditions, entry into the mass market should take place by 2026 at the latest, which should bring the Canadians a sales volume of around EUR 1 billion. Compared to the stock market value of around EUR 90 million, First Hydrogen is thus not overvalued compared to other companies in the sector", according to researchanalyst.com.

Recently, stocks like Plug Power have not been performing well. The company's stock on the Nasdaq declined significantly due to weak quarterly results. Since the losses have turned out larger than expected, investors worry about the financing for Plug Power. Even from a chart technical perspective, the stock appears weakened below the EUR 10 mark. Analysts have also been more negative in their assessments recently.

The tense situation around industry giants like Plug Power could ensure that the market does not fully recognize First Hydrogen's prospects for the time being. For investors with patience and vision, this may be an opportunity. However, there are risks to First Hydrogen as well - for example, the business has yet to develop, and production capacity has yet to be created. However, given the interesting niche and positive response from potential customers, First Hydrogen remains an exciting second-tier hydrogen stock. The relative strength of the past few months also suggests that the market believes in a positive development for the Company.