Expectations as a key to understanding actor strategies in the field of fuel cell and hydrogen vehicles

► We study the relation between expectations and actor strategies in the automotive industry. ► Changing expectations contribute to the volatility of sustainability transitions. ► Actors refer in their strategy to different types or levels of expectations. ► Expectations about the future regime are important for the strategy of car manufacturers. ► Expectations about the future socio-technical landscape are relevant for government actors.