LAS VEGAS (AP) — While electric vehicles are gaining the lion’s share of the attention for carbon-neutral technology at CES 2024, hydrogen energy has snuck its way back into the conversation thanks to two automotive giants.

Hyundai showcased its strategies for utilizing hydrogen energy at the large technology and gadget exhibition in Las Vegas. In addition to producing vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, the car company from South Korea also indicated its potential to contribute to a “hydrogen society” by venturing into energy production, storage, and transportation.

According to José Muñoz, the president and global chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Co., it is currently technologically possible and will eventually become economically viable. This prediction was made on Monday.

During its CES 2024 event, Bosch Mobility announced its plans to release its inaugural hydrogen combustion engine this year, marking a significant milestone in the effort to decrease carbon emissions caused by human activity on a global scale.

Both Bosch and Hyundai have expressed motivation to continue with their individual projects, citing investments like the $7 billion from the U.S. government that is dedicated towards the advancement of hydrogen infrastructure.

On Tuesday, Honda revealed two prototype cars, named the “Saloon” and “Space-Hub.” The Japanese company explains that their Zero Series strategy for creating electric vehicles emphasizes models that are “slim, lightweight, and intelligent,” with a particular aim of reducing battery size and weight.

In the meantime, Kia revealed three electric vans that have the ability to easily switch between cargo and taxi configurations. These vans will start being manufactured in South Korea in 2025.

VinFast, an electric vehicle company from Vietnam, recently revealed their new concept for an electric truck. This truck, known as the VF Wild, is a mid-size model.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled enhancements to its infotainment systems, featuring a new virtual assistant powered by AI to create personalized interactions between drivers and their vehicles. This update will integrate the AI with features for automated driving, seating comfort, data displays, and charging.

However, as Mercedes and other car manufacturers work to enhance their individual in-car systems, some are teaming up with Google to include popular apps like Google Maps and Assistant in their cars. This was announced by the tech company at CES 2024.

In the upcoming year, Google’s integrated technology will be available on certain models from Nissan, Lincoln (a luxury brand under Ford Motor), and other car manufacturers. Porsche will also adopt this technology in 2025. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is incorporating Google apps into its own technology.

Honda discussed its future plans for the Zero Series and their advancements in electric vehicles in the coming years. Specifically, the company is focusing on developing their own solid-state batteries. During a news conference on Tuesday, Executive Vice President Shinji Aoyama stated that Honda’s goal is to integrate solid-state batteries into the Zero Series by the end of the 2020s.

Solid-state batteries are considered crucial for the widespread adoption of battery-operated electric vehicles. Currently, electric vehicles primarily utilize lithium-ion batteries, which have a tendency to catch fire. Solid-state batteries offer increased stability and potentially greater power.

Mitsuru Kariya, the head of Honda Motor’s research and development team for EV technology, revealed on Tuesday that solid-state batteries offer increased energy density. This translates to smaller batteries with stronger performance, potentially resulting in lighter electric vehicles and improved fuel efficiency.

Other car manufacturers are also interested in developing solid-state batteries, not just Honda. For instance, Toyota has partnered with Japanese oil company Idemitsu to produce solid-state batteries.

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This report was contributed to by McKinnon de Kuyper, a reporter for the Associated Press.

Source: wral.com