Elon Musk, the enigmatic CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, once again voiced strong skepticism towards hydrogen fuel cells, this time directly targeting industry giant Hyundai.
In his latest statements, Musk didn’t hold back when discussing his views on hydrogen as a fuel source, sparking widespread debate within the automotive and renewable energy sectors.
Musk has long been a vocal critic of hydrogen fuel cells, branding them as inefficient compared to battery-electric solutions. He has previously remarked that the use of hydrogen energy is “mind-bogglingly stupid,” arguing that it’s a less efficient way to store and use energy compared to batteries.
In a recent interaction on social media, Musk doubled down on his critique, citing technical inefficiencies and environmental concerns associated with hydrogen fuel production, storage, and distribution. His comments have reignited discussions on the viability of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
In an unexpected twist, Musk specifically mentioned Hyundai, which has been a strong proponent of hydrogen fuel technology. Hyundai has invested substantially in developing hydrogen-powered vehicles, presenting them as an alternative to battery-electric cars. The company believes that hydrogen fuel cells offer longer driving ranges and quicker refueling times, which could be more appealing to consumers.
However, Musk’s criticism was unequivocal. He questioned the long-term sustainability and feasibility of Hyundai’s commitment to hydrogen, suggesting that the company may be investing in a technology with limited future prospects.
Musk’s comments have triggered a mixed response from industry experts and stakeholders. Proponents of hydrogen fuel cells argue that Musk’s views are overly dismissive and fail to consider the potential advantages of hydrogen in specific applications, such as long-haul trucking and industrial processes.
On the other hand, supporters of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) echo Musk’s sentiments, emphasizing the advances in battery technology, which have resulted in significant improvements in range, charging times, and overall efficiency.
