Editorial: CES announcements show that hydrogen is coming

All the announcements about hydrogen — combustion engines, fuel cells, infrastructure — at CES this month demonstrated that an auto industry powered in part by the fuel is finally on the horizon.

To be sure, battery-electric vehicles still outnumber hydrogen autos globally. More than 50 BEVs are expected this year, while hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are limited to a handful of passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Moreover, EV charging infrastructure, while insufficient, is also much more developed than hydrogen refilling stations and clean hydrogen production.

Still, the most visible automaker and largest auto supplier at CES each showcased their belief in hydrogen-powered vehicles at the Las Vegas convention this month.

Hyundai Motor Group detailed a sweeping strategy for hydrogen production, storage, transportation and utilization to achieve carbon neutrality. It wants to make hydrogen from plastics and animal waste. The company launched its Xcient heavy-duty fuel cell trucks in California and plans to show a redesigned Nexo fuel cell vehicle next year. This strategy is projected to help Hyundai eliminate 3 million tons of carbon emissions per year by 2035.

Bosch plans to launch its first hydrogen combustion engine this year. The engine is almost carbon neutral when powered by green hydrogen, the supplier said. Bosch has also received its first hydrogen fuel cell stack orders from truck manufacturers in Europe, the U.S. and China.

Bosch and Hyundai aren't alone. Cummins, Toyota and others are developing hydrogen combustion engines. And General Motors, Honda and others are making fuel cells.

The commitments align with massive government backing of hydrogen. The U.S. is investing $7 billion in the construction of regional clean hydrogen production hubs.

Despite the progress, using hydrogen as a power source for transportation and industrial uses faces obstacles. Until production subsidized by the federal government's investments comes online, hydrogen remains costly. Almost no green hydrogen is available. It is difficult to store and transport, as there is limited infrastructure.

Despite the challenges, industry development and investment show that hydrogen-powered vehicles could have a larger presence on our roads. It's a futuristic technology, but one with a clear line to reality.