Skip advert
Advertisement

'The hydrogen underdog disruptor is back in town'

Mike Rutherford says hydrogen-powered cars could still be a frequent sight on UK roads

Toyota Mirai opinion

Honestly, you’ve never had it so good. Shop for a brand-new car today and you really are spoiled for choice. There’s something for almost everyone on nearly any budget, whether you go petrol, diesel, LPG, petrol-electric, diesel-electric, or pure-electric. 

But nine years from now, the Government’s take it or leave it offer to consumers will go a bit like this: You can have any new car you like – as long as it’s a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). The politicians are still fine-tuning the rules as to how long you’ll be able to buy a hybrid or plug-in hybrid after 2030. But the safe assumption is that your best bet against any future legislation changes is to go fully electric.

Or maybe not. An underdog disruptor is back in town – the beast known as the hydrogen fuel cell car. For donkey’s years it’s been threatening the success of the BEV. The trouble is, it comes and goes – and comes back again – almost unnoticed. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

A decade ago I had the honour of winning the Hydrogen class of the Brighton to London Future Car Challenge in a Vauxhall SUV. Never mind that after the event it had to be trailered to Germany to be refuelled, thanks to the UK’s pathetic hydrogen infrastructure ‘system’, as it remains to this day.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Half a decade later, a Hyundai-Kia director invited me to its huge R&D centre in Korea where he visited upon me countless reasons why H-badged cars are superior to and cleaner than their BEV rivals.

Last month saw the latest big push for hydrogen. First, Toyota’s CEO raced a hydrogen car in a 24-hour race – and sadly/spectacularly lost. Then the hydrogen-powered Extreme E motorsports series (why not Extreme H?) visited a remote corner of Africa by way of a dirty great ship needed to carry the ‘ultra-clean’ race cars and the hydrogen to power ’em. Next to France for a successful world record attempt of 1,000km (621 miles) in a Toyota Mirai – a hydrogen car that costs considerably more to buy and refuel than a BEV. Finally, Vauxhall got in on the act, albeit with a new hydrogen van. Damn, I think the Luton lads missed a trick. 

But perhaps of more significance than all of the above, Hyundai-Kia of Korea has teamed up with Ineos of England to improve the woeful hydrogen infrastructure in the UK and elsewhere. This has to raise the prospect of more pretty H-badged SUVs from the former, plus a hydrogen version of the latter’s Land Rover-inspired hardcore Grenadier 4x4. 

The switch from combustion engines to BEVs has been a slow process, but finally electric cars are becoming more accessible. With the near-monopoly they’ll soon enjoy, I reckon pure-electric BEVs have a 90 per cent chance of being the default new car choice for consumers from 2030 onwards. Which means hydrogen cars are in with a 10 per cent shout! For the cash-strapped family motorist, hydrogen will probably always be a no-no. But for cash-rich ‘green’ firms, wealthy and idealistic individuals, or committed eco crusaders able to put their money with their mouth is, as well as countless local and national governments quick to spend taxpayers’ money on high-priced products, Hyundai-Kia, Toyota and others will gladly take their H-orders today, in 2030, and way beyond.

Find out more on hydrogen cars here...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief columnist

Mike was one of the founding fathers of Auto Express in 1988. He's been motoring editor on four tabloid newspapers - London Evening News, The Sun, News of the World & Daily Mirror. He was also a weekly columnist on the Daily Telegraph, The Independent and The Sunday Times. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BYD Atto 3 review
BYD Atto 3 - front tracking

BYD Atto 3 review

New kid on the block BYD has hit the ground running with its all-electric family SUV, combining quirky design with a comfortable ride in the Atto 3
In-depth reviews
23 Jan 2025
What is MaaS? Mobility as a Service and the future of car use
Mobilize Duo - front static

What is MaaS? Mobility as a Service and the future of car use

We look at the pros and cons of Mobility as a Service, and the vehicles set to help change the face of car ownership
Features
29 Dec 2024
Tesla Model Y alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Tesla's top-selling SUV
Tesla Model Y alternatives - header image

Tesla Model Y alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Tesla's top-selling SUV

The Tesla Model Y is a superb family SUV with EV power, but what if you fancy something different? We’ve come up with the best new and used alternativ…
Features
18 Dec 2024
Best electric car charging stations 2024: UK's top charger networks rated by EV owners
Best electric car charging stations 2024 - header

Best electric car charging stations 2024: UK's top charger networks rated by EV owners

The bad, the good and the outstanding; you rank the major players in the expanding UK charging network
Features
13 Nov 2024

Most Popular

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced
Opinion - expensive cars

It’s not just electric cars that are overpriced

Not matter how good a new car might be, Mike Rutherford thinks it will ultimately fail if it's overpriced
Opinion
16 Feb 2025
Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win
Ford Capri and Cupra Tavascan - front tracking

Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win

Ford brought back the iconic Capri name for its new coupé-SUV, which shares its platform with the fresh Cupra Tavascan. Which is the top dog?
Car group tests
15 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts