Hydrogen as an alternative to the battery electric car appeared to be a lost cause, but after Toyota, Stellantis is the second major car manufacturer to invest a significant amount of money in hydrogen. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares openly expressed his belief in hydrogen as an alternative to battery-electric cars during the opening of a factory in Lyon. Together with tire manufacturer Michelin and parts supplier Forvia, Stellantis is working on further developing hydrogen technology.
Tavares is not referring to hydrogen from a fuel cell, but to the hydrogen combustion engine. These are regular engines, such as the well-known 1.2-liter three-cylinder, except they run on hydrogen instead of petrol. Adjusting the fuel supply and injection system is all that’s required, eliminating the need for a costly fuel cell. Tavares believes that there are multiple ways to achieve a cleaner future, including fuel cells, electric vehicles, hydrogen combustion engines, and synthetic fuels.
While the hydrogen combustion engine is a simple solution for emission-free driving, it also has its drawbacks, such as the inadequate refueling network and the production of green hydrogen. Both Stellantis and Toyota continue to invest in hydrogen as a viable alternative to battery electric cars.