Rolls-Royce is exploring the possibility of adopting hydrogen fuel cell powertrains for its electric vehicles once the technology reaches commercial viability.
The recently unveiled Rolls-Royce Spectre, the luxury carmaker’s first electric vehicle, features a massive 120kWh battery and a range of over 300 miles. However, Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös believes that hydrogen could be a viable alternative fuel for the unique positioning and specialized use cases of Rolls-Royce vehicles.
In an interview with Autocar, Müller-Ötvös dismissed the idea of hydrogen combustion engines, citing their inefficiency. He expressed interest in fuel cell technology, stating that fuel cells are similar to batteries in terms of energy storage. He acknowledged that Rolls-Royce might transition from batteries to fuel cells when the technology becomes more advanced and suitable for their vehicles.
Müller-Ötvös’s comments align with BMW’s recent launch of the iX5 Hydrogen, a fuel cell prototype developed in collaboration with Toyota. Although the iX5 Hydrogen will be produced in limited quantities, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse emphasized its significance in showcasing the technical maturity and potential of hydrogen-powered drivetrains.
Rolls-Royce’s consideration of hydrogen fuel cells is particularly relevant for its customer base, as Rolls-Royce owners typically do not frequently undertake long-distance journeys. However, one obstacle to overcome is the lack of hydrogen charging infrastructure, unlike the widespread availability of electric vehicle charging stations. Rolls-Royce is closely monitoring the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure to assess the feasibility of hydrogen propulsion.
While hydrogen fuel cell technology has shown promise in providing extended range and faster refueling times, the infrastructure required for widespread adoption remains a challenge. The establishment of a robust hydrogen refueling network would be crucial for making hydrogen-powered vehicles viable on a larger scale.
Rolls-Royce’s exploration of hydrogen fuel cell powertrains reflects the evolving landscape of electric vehicle technology and the industry’s search for sustainable alternatives. As the technology matures and infrastructure develops, hydrogen fuel cells could become a compelling option for luxury car manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, providing another avenue for clean and efficient mobility.
