BMW and Daimler are also tinkering with fuel cells. And Honda is still cooperating with General Motors on what those partners hope will be a next-generation system.
The technology has gained some converts. Stellantis recently announced that it will launch a hydrogen-powered Ram Heavy Duty pickup later in the decade, building on the automaker’s progress with hydrogen vans in Europe. CEO Carlos Tavares said fast fill-up times and long driving ranges make fuel cell systems well suited to zero-emission commercial vehicles.
Fuel cell powertrains combine hydrogen with air in a chemical reaction that creates electricity and water vapor. The electricity powers an electric motor, just as in a battery-electric vehicle.
Engineers are now focused on reducing the size, weight and cost of future fuel cell systems, all while boosting power output. But even if they achieve all of that, hydrogen…
Fuel cells are far behind, but still coming along
