There has been so much focus on battery-powered electric vehicles over the last few years that it seemed like hydrogen might be left behind. Is hydrogen power about to experience a comeback? Let’s take a closer look at the vehicles showcased at CES 2024.
Nikola, a trucking startup, has recently started shipping a U.S.-built hydrogen truck to customers. Additionally, Croft Motors is developing “rugged” hydrogen-powered vehicles and is preparing to launch a prototype SUV with an anticipated 1,000 miles of driving range. Hyundai, a well-established automaker, is also embracing hydrogen in a new way by incorporating it into the company’s carbon-neutral plans.
At the same time, suppliers like Bosch and PACCAR are also investing in the hydrogen industry, as evidenced by their latest innovations showcased at CES 2024.
Why now?
Federal investments in green hydrogen and refueling infrastructure, as well as corporate interest from the fossil fuel industry, are providing a significant boost to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Additionally, the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act are creating financial incentives and funding for the production and distribution of hydrogen.
Despite the challenges, hydrogen-powered vehicles remain relatively scarce, but the interest and investments in the industry are growing.
Image credits: Natalie Christman for TechCrunch
In addition to federal investments, corporate interest, and political will, there are challenges to widespread hydrogen vehicle adoption, such as the lack of infrastructure and the comparative inefficiency of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles when compared to battery-electric vehicles. However, despite these challenges, it is evident that the interest and investments in the hydrogen industry are growing.
