GM pivots from hydrogen fuel cells to batteries and EV R&D

General Motors announced it is ending development work under its HYDROTEC brand for hydrogen fuel cells and will instead concentrate R&D on batteries, charging technologies and electric vehicles. The company cited limited infrastructure and high costs as primary reasons hydrogen fuel cells have not gained traction for consumer cars.

GM said it will continue its Fuel Cell System Manufacturing joint venture with Honda, which produces fuel cells for data centers and power-generation applications rather than passenger vehicles. This move aligns with a wider industry trend: Toyota recently shifted many of its hydrogen efforts toward industrial uses as well.

• What’s changing: HYDROTEC vehicle-focused development is ending.
• What remains: Joint venture with Honda for non-consumer fuel-cell applications (data centers, power generation).
• Why: High costs and sparse refueling infrastructure limit consumer adoption.

For more details, see the original report: Engadget — GM ends development of hydrogen fuel cells.

Industry observers say this is a pragmatic pivot: while hydrogen offers advantages for fast refueling and certain heavy-duty or industrial uses, battery-electric technology currently has clearer pathways for mass-market passenger adoption due to falling costs and expanding charging networks.

Discussion: Do you think hydrogen still has a role in passenger vehicles, or is it destined to be a niche for industry and heavy transport?