In a daring move, Honda has unveiled a Class 8 truck running on three of its new fuel cell systems, a technology powered by hydrogen. This development follows the earlier launch of Honda's hydrogen fuel cell SUV, as the automaker continues to invest in hydrogen as a key element in its business strategy.

The hydrogen fuel cell systems used in the truck are produced by Honda's joint venture with General Motors in Brownstown, Michigan. These systems boast double the durability of previous generations while cutting costs by two-thirds. The company believes this technology will play a central role in their hydrogen business strategy, which has been developed alongside GM over the past decade.

Hydrogen fuel cells offer significant advantages, such as emitting only water vapor as their sole emission, making them an attractive choice for heavy-duty vehicles and mobile power generators. Additionally, this technology aligns with the industry-wide goal of transitioning away from gas-powered vehicles and reducing pollution.

However, there are challenges associated with using hydrogen as a fuel source. Its low energy content by volume makes storage a problem, requiring high pressures, low temperatures, or chemical processes for compact storage. Overcoming this challenge is particularly crucial for light-duty vehicles with limited space for fuel storage.

Hydrogen's viability as an investment is also a concern due to high prices and a weak refueling infrastructure. Currently, the market for hydrogen vehicles is limited, with California being the primary focus thanks to the state's investment in fuel stations. However, even in California, the outlook is grim, as Shell recently announced the closure of all seven hydrogen fueling stations.

Despite these obstacles, Honda remains optimistic about the potential of hydrogen, especially in the commercial vehicle sector. Partnering with GM, both companies are actively exploring various applications for their fuel cell technology.

According to the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Partnership, only 223 new hydrogen fuel cell cars were sold in the US during the first quarter of 2024, marking a significant 70% drop from the same period last year.

As the industry grapples with skyrocketing fuel prices and uncertainty surrounding the future of hydrogen in transportation, Honda's relentless pursuit of hydrogen-powered vehicles demonstrates its strong belief in the technology's potential. With the support of GM and their continuing efforts to improve the efficiency and affordability of fuel cell systems, Honda hopes to carve a prominent place for hydrogen in the automotive industry.