Volkswagen has joined the hydrogen engine train. With the likes of Toyota and Hyundai leading the way for hydrogen engines, it is only a matter of time before other major automobile brands catch on. Hydrogen technology has been making significant strides in the past decade, set to complement existing electrical engine technology. The addition of hydrogen fuel cell technology to engines in automobiles is welcomed progress towards diverse sustainable solutions for automobile options.
Toyota spearheads hydrogen, but will Volkswagen overtake?
Currently, Toyota is the reigning champion of hydrogen fuel cell technology in automobiles. The company’s hydrogen fuel cell efforts began with the launch of the Toyota Mirai in 2014, one of the world’s first commercially available hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Mirai uses a fuel cell stack that converts hydrogen into electricity to power the vehicle, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Now, Volkswagen is preparing to rival Toyota’s futuristic solutions. Volkswagen is actively working on developing the next generation of hydrogen fuel cell technology for the automotive industry. The company has submitted a patent for a new automobile and hydrogen fuel cell stack designed to offer an impressive range of up to 2,000 km (1,243 miles). Volkswagen joins its German rival BMW in developing hydrogen solutions.
This new patent is being developed in collaboration with the German company Kraftwerk Tubes. It utilizes a ceramic membrane, which is more cost-effective to produce than the polymer membranes used by Hyundai and Toyota. Additionally, the ceramic membrane is more durable and offers better resistance to freezing and drying compared to Nafion.
Volkswagen set to revolutionize hydrogen with their new patent
Volkswagen’s new patent is set to revolutionize current hydrogen fuel cell technologies should the patent be approved and developed into existence. The more cost effective membrane will help to lower the cost of the vehicle compared to existing hydrogen vehicles on the market. It is also expected to have increased efficiency and productivity.
Volkswagen is not throwing in the towel however for their electrical solutions. Volkswagen is set to debut a more affordable electrical vehicle in 2027 n the price range of around $21,450 (20,000 euros), with Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume saying “It’s about entry-level electric mobility from Europe for Europe.” Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand and head of the Core brand group, added, “Despite the attractive price, our electric cars will set standards in the entry-level segment in terms of technology, design, quality, and customer experience.”
Volkswagen’s introduction to hydrogen is part of a long-term effort
Volkswagen’s emphasis on hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles is part of its long-term strategy for climate protection, with the company aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. To support this goal, Volkswagen is investing heavily in renewable energy sources and cutting-edge technologies. As the automobile industry faces increasing pressure from government regulations and consumer opinion to go green, it is no surprise that Volkswagen is looking to add hydrogen to their portfolio.
While electric vehicles are ideal for urban transportation and light-duty vehicles hydrogen fuel cells offer advantages in heavy-duty applications like trucks, buses, and long-range transport, where fast refueling and longer driving ranges are essential. Hydrogen-powered vehicles can be refueled in just a few minutes, unlike electric vehicles that typically require longer charging times.
What is more, hydrogen fuel cells are more energy-dense. This makes them well-suited for large vehicles that need to carry heavy loads over long distances. As both hydrogen and electric technologies continue to evolve, they are expected to work together, creating a more diverse and efficient transportation ecosystem that reduces emissions across various sectors. However, hydrogen will still have to compete rather significantly with the internal combustion engine which is not set to go anywhere anytime soon.
