Renault has just announced its first hydrogen-electric hybrid concept car, using hydrogen to push its EV models further. While automakers continue to argue over which technology will power the future of transport – electric batteries or hydrogen fuel cells – Renault is combining the two to offer an alternative option.
Unlike a traditional hybrid car, which uses fossil fuels to power the vehicle, a hydrogen-electric hybrid incorporates a hydrogen fuel cell into the design. This means that the vehicle can run off electricity or
Automakers are backing hydrogen fuel cells due to their long-range and fast fuelling time, which makes them highly competitive with electric batteries. While traditional EVs are more well-known, some manufacturers such as BMW and Audi believe that as the market remains in its infancy it could quickly shift to hydrogen if costs can be reduced.
However, not everyone believes hydrogen is practical for EVs, with Volkswagen and several automakers keeping their focus on electric batteries. VW believes traditional EVs meet the needs of most consumers and can be widely developed for the rising demand over the next decade. In addition, their maintenance costs are much lower than ICE engine vehicles, reducing the long-term pay-out. In terms of hydrogen, it believes companies would be reliant on hydrogen imports for FCEV production, and with limited green hydrogen production at present this would be restrictive.