GM Discreetly Abandons Its Hydrogen Ambitions to Pursue Electric Vehicles | Carscoops

      Although the company was an early supporter of hydrogen, it has now redirected its focus toward electric vehicles (EVs).

      General Motors has halted development on next-generation fuel cells for vehicles, opting to invest in EVs, which they believe have "clear market traction." While the company has not completely abandoned hydrogen, its emphasis will be more limited.

      General Motors was a significant advocate for hydrogen fuel cells, alongside well-known supporters Hyundai and Toyota. However, GM has shifted its strategy and ceased work on next-generation fuel cells under its Hydrotec brand.

      For those not acquainted with GM’s hydrogen initiatives, Hydrotec systems were targeted for a variety of vehicles, including the SURUS and large mining trucks. The automaker also planned to use Hydrotec powercubes for mobile electric vehicle charging stations.

      Despite these efforts, the company acknowledged that "the path to achieving a sustainable business in fuel cells is long and uncertain."

      They pointed out that factors such as limited refueling infrastructure and high costs are major reasons why consumers have not adopted hydrogen-powered vehicles more broadly.

      Hydrogen was once heralded as the fuel of the future, but electric vehicles are already available. GM noted that there are over 250,000 Level 2+ EV chargers in the U.S., compared to just 61 hydrogen refueling stations.

      In light of these challenges, GM has chosen to "concentrate on technologies that demonstrate the clearest path to scalability and customer value," prioritizing EVs which have significant market traction over hydrogen, which has yet to reach its potential.

      However, GM is not abandoning hydrogen entirely. They recognize that "hydrogen has potential for specific high-demand industrial applications such as backup power, mining, and heavy trucking." Consequently, they will continue producing fuel cells for data centers and power generation through their Fuel Cell System Manufacturing joint venture with Honda.