GM stops developing hydrogen systems and focuses on battery electric vehicles
The American auto giant is shutting down the HYDROTEC program and canceling the construction of a $55 million research center.
What is known
General Motors officially announced the cessation of next-generation fuel cell development. The company stated that it will redirect resources to battery electric vehicle technologies, citing higher market demand and slow deployment of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the US.
The decision essentially freezes the HYDROTEC initiative, which aimed at developing new fuel cell systems for future passenger and commercial vehicles. Plans for constructing a $55 million hydrogen technology research center in Detroit are also canceled.
GM stated that hydrogen remains a 'promising technology in certain sectors', but immediate investments will now prioritize areas 'with proven market appeal'. GM will continue producing existing hydrogen fuel cells for stationary and industrial applications through Fuel Cell System Manufacturing LLC — a joint venture with Honda.
Car manufacturers' approaches to hydrogen are widely different. BMW, for example, expects the first series-produced hydrogen vehicles by 2028. The company relies on Toyota's technology for fast refueling and long range. Meanwhile, Stellantis completed its hydrogen program earlier this year, and Honda's focus has shifted to smaller modular fuel cell systems.
Source: Autoblog
