Toyota’s European branch in Zaventem launched a pilot project for the construction of hydrogen fuel cell modules last month. This indicates that the group does not appear willing to accept the dominance of plug-in vehicles.
The Mirai was the group’s first hydrogen-powered model, first shown as a concept car in 2014. It’s now neatly displayed in the showroom alongside the brand’s other (hybrid) models. Other (traditional) automakers are also considering the hydrogen option. However, according to financial economist Tom Simonts, there is still a long way to go.
For those who are still skeptical, the electric car was designed specifically for the greening of the global vehicle fleet. The plug-in car was quickly chosen in the race to electrification. The alternative, a battery charged by a chemical reaction between water and oxygen, was relegated to the ‘back of the line,’ and appeared to be destined primarily for industrial applications, such as buses and trucks. Not so, according to Toyota, which continues to bet on two horses as a pioneer in hybrid vehicles.
Toyota was not the only company looking to hydrogen technology as an alternative to traditional combustion engines at the time. BMW was also an early adopter of hydrogen technology, forming a partnership with Toyota in 2013. The Japanese company will, for example, supply the fuel cells for the BMW I Hydrogen Next under the terms of the agreement. The car was unveiled in 2020 and will be tested on the racetrack this year. The goal is to accumulate as many’real life’ kilometers as possible in order to be included in the German luxury car group’s model range by 2025.
The iX5 Hydrogen borrows the iX3’s electric drive for those who prefer things a little more technical. However, unlike its smaller sibling, there is no socket on the car to charge the battery; instead, two hydrogen tanks provide the fuel cell with the energy it needs to generate electricity. The sturdy SUV can travel about 500 kilometers with six kilograms of hydrogen on board. Following that, he must work on the hydrogen pump. Mercedes-Benz has chosen the best of both worlds. The German company could not stay behind its compatriot and decided to market the GLC F-cellin. This is a next-generation hybrid that can run on electricity from a fuel cell or from a plugged-in battery.
It is clear that the automobile industry is becoming more interested in hydrogen. However, whether a true breakthrough can be made and whether hydrogen poses a threat to plug-in vehicles and their growing charging infrastructure remains to be seen.
