Current:Home > FinanceHydrogen energy back in the vehicle conversation at CES 2024-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Hydrogen energy back in the vehicle conversation at CES 2024
View Date:2024-12-23 18:18:43
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 spotlighted its plans for utilizing hydrogen energy at the sprawling tech and gadget show in Las Vegas. Beyond making vehicles powered by hydrogen-powered fuel cells, the South Korean automaker signaled that it could work toward aiding a “hydrogen society” by expanding into energy production, storage and transportation.
It’s already technologically feasible, and it will eventually make sense economically, too, José Muñoz, president and global chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Co., predicted Monday.
Meanwhile, automotive supplier Bosch Mobility plans to launch its first hydrogen combustion engine this year — another key step toward reducing global man-made carbon emissions, the company said during its CES 2024 event.
Both Bosch and Hyundai say they’ve been encouraged to move forward with their respective initiatives because of investments such as the $7 billion that the U.S. government is pouring into the development of hydrogen infrastructure.
‘THIN, LIGHT AND WISE’ EVs
Honda on Tuesday unveiled two concept vehicles, dubbed the “Saloon” and “Space-Hub.” The Japanese automaker says the Zero Series approach for EV development focuses on models that are “thin, light and wise,” with specific goals to minimize battery size and weight.
Kia, meanwhile, introduced a trio of electric vans that can quickly swap body modules from cargo haulers to taxis and other purposes. Production of the vans will begin in 2025 in South Korea.
And Vietnam-based electric upstart VinFast unveiled an electric truck concept. The mid-size truck is dubbed the VF Wild.
IN-CAR TECH ECOSYSTEMS IMPROVE
Mercedes-Benz showed off updates to its infotainment systems, including a new AI-powered virtual assistant that strives to personalize interactions between drivers and their cars. The update will connect the AI with functions for automated driving, seating comfort, data displays and charging.
But while automakers like Mercedes are focusing on improving their proprietary in-car ecosystems, others are striking more partnerships with Google to pre-install apps such as Google Maps and Assistant in their vehicles, the tech giant revealed at CES 2024.
The Google built-in will come to select models from Nissan, Ford Motor’s luxury brand Lincoln, and others this year, with Porsche following suit in 2025. And even Mercedes-Benz is layering Google apps into its own technology.
WHAT’S THE LATEST ON SOLID-STATE BATTERIES?
Honda also touched on plans for its Zero Series and wider EV advances down the road — notably, the company’s independent development of solid-state batteries. In a Tuesday news conference, Executive Vice President Shinji Aoyama said Honda aims to apply solid-state batteries to the Zero Series by the late 2020s.
Solid-state batteries are widely believed to be essential for mass commercialization of battery-powered EVs. Today, lithium-ion batteries are more commonly used in EVs, but are prone to fires. Solid-state batteries are more stable and potentially more powerful.
Honda Motor’s Mitsuru Kariya, who leads the research and development group behind the EV tech announced Tuesday, explained that solid-state batteries have higher energy density, which means they can be smaller while maintaining a good range with stronger outputs. This could also contribute to making EVs lighter, he said, potentially improving fuel economy.
Honda isn’t the only automaker with eyes on a solid-state battery future. Toyota, for example, recently agreed to work with Japanese oil company Idemitsu on technology solid-state battery production.
veryGood! (848)
Related
- 'Survivor' 47, Episode 9: Jeff Probst gave players another shocking twist. Who went home?
- U.S. book bans are taking a toll on a beloved tradition: Scholastic Book Fairs
- Electrical grids aren’t keeping up with the green energy push. That could risk climate goals
- Aaron Rodgers made suggestions to Jets coaches during victory over Eagles, per report
- Stock market today: Asian stocks decline as China stimulus plan disappoints markets
- As Biden heads to Israel and Jordan, aid is held up for a Gaza on the verge of total collapse
- Who is Jim Jordan, House GOP speaker nominee?
- Here's why gas prices are down, even in pricey California, as Israel-Hamas war escalates
- Ben Affleck and His Son Samuel, 12, Enjoy a Rare Night Out Together
- 2028 Los Angeles Olympics adds 5 sports including lacrosse, cricket, flag football
Ranking
- Justine Bateman feels like she can breathe again in 'new era' after Trump win
- Code Switch: Baltimore teens are fighting for environmental justice — and winning
- Yuval Noah Harari on the Hamas attack: Terrorists are waging a war on our souls
- Lawsuit over death of autistic man in a Pittsburgh jail alleges negligence, systemic discrimination
- Jordan Chiles Reveals She Still Has Bronze Medal in Emotional Update After 2024 Olympics Controversy
- National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says U.S. working on safe passage of Americans out of Gaza into Egypt
- California taxpayers get extended federal, state tax deadlines due to 2023 winter storms
- New York judge rejects Indiana ex-U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer’s request to remain free pending appeal
Recommendation
-
Sydney Sweeney Slams Women Empowerment in the Industry as Being Fake
-
'An entrepreneurial dream': Former 1930s Colorado ski resort lists for $7 million
-
Birthday boy Bryce Harper powers Phillies to NLCS Game 1 win vs. Diamondbacks
-
Wisconsin Assembly set to approve $545 million in public dollars for Brewers stadium repairs
-
Smithfield agrees to pay $2 million to resolve child labor allegations at Minnesota meat plant
-
Suzanne Somers, star of 'Three's Company' and 'Step by Step,' dead at 76
-
Swing-county Kentucky voters weigh their choices for governor in a closely watched off-year election
-
Los Angeles hit with verdict topping $13 million in death of man restrained by police officers