In the pursuit of more affordable, lighter, and eco-friendly batteries, Hyundai continues to place its faith in hydrogen as a power source for its larger cars and trucks.
Despite the challenges and investment required, the South Korean automaker remains dedicated to advancing hydrogen technology, as confirmed by Michael Cole, Hyundai’s European boss, in an interview with TopGear.com.
Cole acknowledged the difficulties associated with wide-scale sales of hydrogen vehicles due to infrastructure limitations and the current high cost and limited availability of green hydrogen. However, Hyundai sees great potential in developing fuel cell technology for heavy-duty trucks, aligning with their goal of expanding battery and hydrogen charging points by 2035.
Hydrogen-powered fuel cells are expected to find their place alongside battery electric vehicles (EVs), complementing each other rather than being exclusive alternatives. According to Cole, fuel cell passenger vehicles are likely to be more practical for larger vehicles, such as SUVs, while smaller cars, particularly city cars, are more suited for battery EVs.
While Hyundai has yet to announce specific production plans for hydrogen-powered vehicles, Cole emphasized that opportunities will arise in the future. As the infrastructure for hydrogen charging improves and the availability of green hydrogen increases, alongside efforts to reduce technology costs, Hyundai envisions a future where hydrogen and battery EVs coexist, serving different segments of the market based on practicality and use cases.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles offer advantages such as longer driving ranges, faster refueling times, and suitability for heavier loads, making them ideal for larger, long-commuting vehicles. By integrating hydrogen fuel cell technology into its product portfolio, Hyundai aims to provide consumers with diverse options that cater to their specific needs while contributing to a greener transportation ecosystem.
However, challenges lie ahead. The development of a robust hydrogen infrastructure, including charging stations and the production of green hydrogen, remains a significant hurdle. Additionally, cost reduction efforts and advancements in hydrogen storage and distribution technologies are crucial to make hydrogen-powered vehicles more economically viable and accessible to a wider audience.
Hyundai’s commitment to hydrogen reflects a long-term vision for sustainable mobility and showcases their belief in the potential of this alternative energy source. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, advancements in hydrogen technology and infrastructure will be essential in realizing a cleaner, greener future for transportation.
