CEO of Electric Vehicle brand Tesla, Elon Musk has boldly called hydrogen “the fool’s battery.”
The tech billionaire has gone on record to dismiss the novel source of fuel  as an “inefficient energy source for cars.”
Not long after, US President Donald Trump, joined him in attacking hydrogen-powered vehicles, sensationally claiming that they can explode “like a bomb.”
With these two high-profile figures leading the charge, the debate over the future of clean energy is – just like climate change – heating up.
Sneak attack from EV makers?
But environmentalists and engineers are asking if this is a sly attack to promote  EVs, or is hydrogen genuinely as impractical as they feel?
Musk has never been a fan of hydrogen fuel cell technology. In fact, he has repeatedly criticized hydrogen-powered cars, saying that they are too resource-intensive compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
According to Musk’s calculations, producing green hydrogen needs roughly three times the amount of electricity needed for BEVs to achieve more or less the same output.
He took a more aggressive tone when he hit back at an open letter from over 100 scientists and engineers. They had defended Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Mirai, which was showcased during the Paris Olympics.
Musk called hydrogen cars as a distraction. He argues that the infrastructure required to produce and distribute hydrogen is far too demanding, and shouldn’t even be considered as a solution for mass transportation.
Trump strides into battle too
Of course, Musk’s new ally Trump is on the same page. In a recent speech, he told the audience that hydrogen-powered vehicles were dangerous. He further exaggerated the claim, saying that in such an explosion, “a woman wouldn’t be able to recognize her husband.”
To date, no hydrogen-powered car has ever exploded.
Trump, Tesla and political ties
Political analysts have said that Musk has reportedly provided financial support to Trump’s campaign, and their alliance could be influencing Trump’s views on hydrogen technology. The experts also noted that while Trump has previously criticized electric cars, he now favors them—possibly due to Musk’s involvement.
Meanwhile, Tesla continues to lead the EV market. His opposition to hydrogen is not new, but with Trump now echoing his claims, the hydrogen car industry faces significant public scepticism.
Haters can hate, hydrogen pros Hyundai , Toyota and Honda power on!
There are currently several hydrogen-powered cars on the market. These include the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo and the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.
These cars are designed with a number of safety features to cater for the unique properties of hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen is highly flammable and needs careful handling, so these vehicles incorporate advanced safety systems.
For instance, hydrogen tanks are made from ultra-strong carbon-fiber composites to withstand impacts and high pressure. The tanks also have valves to safely release hydrogen if pressure gets too high. Sensors look out for leaks and shut off the hydrogen supply if they find any. Tanks are also rigorously tested to survive crashes, fires, and extreme conditions.
These cars also have quite sophisticated seal systems. This means that the hydrogen system is fully sealed to prevent leaks during normal operation.
They also have automatic shutoff systems. The hydrogen supply cuts off automatically in a crash or leak.
There are also Flame Arrestors, Thermal Sensors, Controlled Venting and ADAS Features. The list of safety features is a long one as manufacturers of these vehicles have gone to great lengths to cover all their bases.
As such, the battle between BEVs and hydrogen cars continues to divide experts and automakers.
Tesla is heavily invested in battery electric vehicles, while companies like Toyota and Hyundai continue undeterred by Muk or Trump’s opinions to develop hydrogen-powered alternatives.
Experts say that a diversified approach is necessary for a sustainable future.
