Abstract The benefit of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is that it can utilize hydrogen to produce zero emission electrical power near ambient temperatures in a compact, lightweight device which can replace a combustion engine generator. Hydrogen is now being viewed widely as a zero emission fuel for PEMFC electric cars to augment or replace fossil fuel combustion vehicles in city applications where air pollution is a problem. Since 1998, when the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate in California was unsuccessful, much progress has been made, and the increasing presence of PEMFC ZEVs in cities is now visible, with several manufacturers producing cars (Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda) and several EU companies installing hydrogen filling stations for consumers (Air Liquide, Air Products, and Linde). Hydrogen fuel cells are also being used for portable power and in buildings; 200,000 units delivering 700W plus heat have been installed in Japanese houses during the last 10 years. This article gives an overview of progress until 2016 and points the way to future developments.