The contribution from the dream: The large hydrogen error of the auto industry first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
Hydrogen has long been a hope for sustainable private transport. Opel mother group Stellantis has now said goodbye to his H2 plans. Volkswagen and Mercedes have already pulled the ripcord. We deciphered the background and broke out the topic for you.
A notice: Our specially developed format »Break the News«In which we break up the latest messages into their individual parts, we always appear first in update, our daily tech briefing. We later publish selected pieces here in the magazine. Here you can register for free.
He was sometimes considered a hope for sustainable private transport. But now Opel mother Group has also said goodbye to the automotive industry as a fuel for the automotive industry. Volkswagen and Mercedes have already pulled the ripcord.
Background: Hydrogen for the car always a fallacy
- A year ago Had explained Stellantisto want to stick to hydrogen technology-despite weak demand. Xavier Peugeot, then head of the commercial vehicle division, hoped for quick cost cuts.
- Expert See a continued trend in the hydrogen-off at Stellantis. After Mercedes, VW and General Motors had previously said goodbye to the technology Only Toyota, BMW and Hyundai Fixed – and partly with major restrictions.
- Belong to the Stellantis Group Brands like Opel, Fiat and Peugeot. Originally, several hydrogen vehicles were planned-especially in the transporter area.
Classification: Hydrogen riding path of the auto industry
Most carmakers in Europe have long since buried their hydrogen plans. In Germany Only BMW believes in the technology – and that too only to a limited extent.
Nevertheless, many held on the hydrogen-creep path for a long time. On the one hand, because the fuel can sometimes be used for structures such as the combustion engine. On the other hand, the technology was targeted supported by parties like the FDP.
In addition, there was hope of securing jobs in classic drive technology and avoiding changes. H2 engines are therefore considered a comfortable compromise-also from Fear of new technologies like the electric motor.
Voices: Hydrogen “shouldn’t end up in cars”
- Jean-Philippe ImparatoEuropa-Coo from Stellantis, no longer sees no future in hydrogen cars. The He blames the EU to his own mistakeas if electric cars and hybrid models had not been an option before: “In order to react to sophisticated CO2 regulations in Europe, Stellantis has decided to stop his development program for hydrogen fuel cell technology.”
- Also within politics there was a long time on the Bogus solution hydrogen captured. The German environmental aid (DUH): “Hydrogen and e-fuel get a lot of attention. The impression is often given that large parts of traffic, including road traffic, can become compatible with the climate. The truth: to switch traffic over a large area to hydrogen would be a gigantic own goal in climate and resource protection.”
- As if there were no warningsmany carmakers have long used hydrogen engines. Experts of the technology certified that the technology was not in a future years ago. The Former VW boss Herbert Diess Said in February 2021: “It is time for politicians to accept science: Green hydrogen is needed for the steel industry, the chemical industry, the aviation industry (…) and should not end up in cars. far too expensive and inefficient.”
Outlook: The future of hydrogen in Europe
On one Hydrogen economy in Germany And Europe has no way around. Because: hydrogen is undeniably important for strategic independence from energy from abroad.
For that On the one hand, hydrogen must be greenin other words: to be produced with the help of renewable energies and on the other hand are used where it is most urgently needed – for example in the Chemical and steel industry.
These industries cannot be easily electrified – in contrast to the automotive industry. Is hydrogen Therefore, as a fuel for cars or trucks. Politicians also do well to finally accept this reality.
Because: Planning of the EU provides, for example, the construction of hydrogen petrol stations for truck-studies predict million losses.
Also interesting:
- New format, exclusive content: Update newsletter becomes an independent product
- Meta’s AI strategy: Mark Zuckerberg unpacks the crowbar
- Combined solar cell is supposed to compensate for hydrogen production
- Researchers produce hydrogen from sea water and old beverage cans
The contribution from the dream: The large hydrogen error of the auto industry first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that the concept of using hydrogen as a fuel source for vehicles has great potential but also poses significant challenges for the auto industry. While hydrogen fuel cells offer the promise of zero emissions and longer driving ranges compared to electric vehicles, the infrastructure required to support widespread adoption is currently lacking.
The auto industry must invest in building a robust network of hydrogen refueling stations to make this technology viable for consumers. This will require significant collaboration between automakers, energy companies, and government agencies to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place.
Additionally, the cost of producing hydrogen fuel cells remains high, making it a less financially feasible option for many consumers. As advancements in technology continue to drive down costs, the auto industry must find ways to make hydrogen-powered vehicles more affordable and accessible to a wider range of customers.
Overall, while the idea of a hydrogen-powered future for the auto industry is exciting, there are still many hurdles to overcome before it becomes a mainstream reality. Collaboration, innovation, and investment will be key in driving the success of this technology in the years to come.
Credits