This study aims to shed light on some uncertainty in the effect of hydrogen-induced ε-martensite on
mechanical behavior of hydrogen charged austenitic steels. It is shown that cathodic charging of aus-
tenitic steels is accompanied by plastic deformation, which creates the crystallographic texture and
decreases plasticity during subsequent tensile tests. This deformation is the main reason for the hy-
drogen-induced γ-ε transformation. The ε-martensite is formed in the hydrogen-rich areas of the
austenite, which decreases the hydrogen content in the retained austenite. In case of a small fraction of
the hydrogen-induced ε-martensite, it can be additionally formed during subsequent mechanical tests
due to trip effect, which diminishes the hydrogen loss of plasticity.