All-New Tesla Hydrogen Car- Tesla Switching to Hydrogen?
Tesla has been an EV-exclusive brand since the company’s inception, but that’s about to change as the rising popularity of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles threatens to severely hurt the company’s sales and profits if they don’t adjust to the trend. So is Tesla really looking to make a hydrogen car? and Can we expect a Tesla hydrogen car soon? here is the answer
So, Elon Musk recently announced his interest in the hydrogen car market and confirmed the upcoming Tesla hydrogen vehicle that will annihilate all the competition the way Elon Musk likes to do it. So, join us as we take a look at the all-new hydrogen Tesla that shocked the entire car industry ever since Tesla came out with the first all-electric vehicle back in 2008, which was the original Lotus Elise-based Tesla Roadster.
The rest of the industry didn’t have a proper answer to their revolutionary way of making cars, and for the next six years, the whole industry tried to either copy Tesla’s EV strategy or fiercely fight against it. During that time, Tesla had managed to establish itself as the definitive all-electric vehicle manufacturer, a title that the company still proudly holds.
2022 Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell Vehicle
However, when Tesla’s key rival Toyota decided that the right way of action is not to compete with Tesla in the EV segment but to make a completely different segment that they will dominate, they saw the potential of using hydrogen in vehicles as it is the most abundant chemical in the whole universe. And so, in 2014, the first production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, or FCEV, for short, the Toyota Mirai, came out.
While it couldn’t directly compete with Tesla in the EV segment at the time, the actual market showed a lot of potentials, as a car could be recharged much faster than an EV and could even cover much greater distances while still being completely emission-free and green for the environment. Even though sales were limited to California and Japan, and even though the car was reasonably overpriced for what it was, Toyota still managed to sell more than 20,000 units.
Its successor, the second-generation Toyota Mirai, which came out in 2020 and was offered worldwide, proved to be quite popular in Canada and Europe, as over 20,000 units were sold just last year.
Hydrogen Cars alternatives to EVs?
The whole fuel cell way boasts so much potential that car experts believe that eventually, hydrogen cars could replace standard electric cars, and they believe that Tesla could if they don’t have a backup plan, lose out to its main competitors in the long run. So, the FCEV segment is a rising star in the world of cars.
Have you ever thought about buying or are you aspiring towards an FCEV? Would you consider one if you were in the market for an EV?
Elon Musk, who on numerous occasions voiced his disdain towards hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles, recently went quiet and even somewhat backtracked on his statements and announced that Tesla has aspirations towards the FCEV segment. So much so, they allegedly started developing their hydrogen car, but what vehicles is Tesla up to?
Well, believe it or not, a great number of car manufacturers announced that they will start making hydrogen-powered electric vehicles soon, and the three most recognizable brands of the bunch are Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. They’ve announced that they will at first make limited-run FCEV versions of their existing vehicles, after which they’ll start developing completely independent hydrogen-powered vehicles. Soon, several manufacturers have already started production of their FCEVs.
Hyundai came out with a Hyundai Nexo more than four years ago. Hyundai has had the Hyundai Clarity since 2016, and its successor is about to appear soon. Also, Honda has confirmed that they’re about to start production of the Honda CR-V hydrogen in early 2024.
Let’s not forget the Kickstarter of the whole FCEV segment, Toyota. The latest development is a hydrogen-powered Tesla, stating that “Tesla will be developing a fuel cell vehicle that will revolutionize the market. Expect the unexpected.”
Tesla Hydrogen Car: Coming or Not?
While no official details have been released regarding the upcoming Tesla hydrogen vehicle, experts predict that it will likely be based on the Model S or Model X platform and will feature Tesla’s signature sleek design and cutting-edge technology. It’s also likely that the vehicle will offer impressive range and performance, as well as quick refueling times, which is a major advantage of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles over traditional EVs.
However, there are still some challenges that Tesla and other automakers face when it comes to the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of infrastructure, as there are currently very few hydrogen refueling stations available in most countries. This makes it difficult for drivers to travel long distances and limits the potential market for hydrogen vehicles.
Despite these challenges, there is still a growing interest in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles among consumers and automakers alike. And with Tesla’s entry into the market, it’s likely that more attention and resources will be directed toward the development of this technology, which could ultimately lead to a more sustainable and diverse transportation system in the future.