The Electric Vehicles (EV) pioneer and founder of the multi-billion dollar enterprise Tesla, Elon Musk has announced in June earlier this year a shocking transition of the company. Tesla is a leader in innovative EVs. It is therefore a shock to say the least that Musk has stated that the company will be shifting their focus to hydrogen power. 

Once the “dumbest fuel,” now a fuel of the future?

Must has previously stated his criticisms towards hydrogen as an energy storage. In a TV interview, he stated that hydrogen fuel is the “dumbest thing”. However, increasing competition from China’s BYD EVs. The decision was most likely a strategic move to remain competitive as EVs become more prevalent on the road. Hydrogen fuel-cell technology is also being explored by Chin and Japan.

By developing and exploring fuel cell technology, it is not only an evitable decision, but will diversify Tesla’s product offerings and keep them ahead as automobile leaders. The possibilities of fuel-cell technology are incredibly lucrative. Not only are there zero-emission from hydrogen energy with a by product of only water, but it would open up a world of possibility of harnessing pure hydrogen to keep in line with eco-friendly goals.

The first fuel-cell powered car is expected to debut in 2026

Not only is the hydrogen exploration a surprise, but a reveal date for their first model is fast approaching. Tesla has set an ambitious date for the release of their first hydrogen powered car by 2026. The model has been dubbed “Model H” and will use advanced fuel-cell technology. Tesla plans on advancing and solving problems with storing hydrogen and its associated infrastructure.

Currently, there are less than 17,000 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in the U.S. with all of them being in California. California is the only U.S. state with a network of retail hydrogen fueling stations. To make hydrogen powered cars more prevalent, new infrastructure will have to be developed to support the novel technology. Previously, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota were the only companies with hydrogen powered commercial vehicles available.

How does a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle actually work?

The electric motor in hydrogen fuel-cell cars is the same technology which is used in EVs to turn the wheels of a car. The difference is, instead of being powered by a battery, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are powered by fuel-cell stack where pure hydrogen passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen from the air. This produces electricity to turn the wheels. Water vapor is the only by product of the process. Drivers would need to refill their vehicles with carbon-fiber high-pressure tanks at “hydrogen fueling stations”.

The trouble is, to create pure hydrogen to power the fuel-cell, we would need to use a considerable amount of energy to harness this hydrogen from a compound. Pure hydrogen by itself is very difficult to find in nature. We usually find it bonded to another element as it has a strong propensity to bind with anything. This makes it such a good energy carrier. This cracking process however would release carbon dioxide as a by-product.

The possibilities of hydrogen technology are attractive, but there is still a long way to go with regards to a vehicle running on hydrogen only. Toyota’s current hydrogen vehicles incorporate a battery to help the car accelerate. Hydrogen power works best at constant speeds and not  off of differing magnitudes of speeds which a commercial vehicle commands.

Tesla has long dominated the EV market with their innovative and futuristic technology. Tesla is sure to contribute significantly to hydrogen fuel-cell technology. We may see a pure hydrogen powered vehicle on the road sooner than we think.