Rolls-Royce Exploring Hydrogen Fuel for Cars

Rolls-Royce’s High-End EV Attack Begins with Spectre

Last year, Rolls-Royce made history with the release of their very first electric car, the Ghost. Possessing an EPA-forecasted distance of 260 miles, the special luxury EV ushers in an era of environmental sustainability for the venerable auto maker. Nonetheless, the chief executive, Torsten Muller-Otvos, has revealed that they are looking into the prospect of producing hydrogen fuel cell cars sometime in the future.

“A hydrogen combustion engine is nothing I would in any way look into,” said Peter Muller-Otvos, “because that was tested already years ago.” The German automaker BMW had experimented with the concept in the 2000s, creating a modified BMW 7 Series (E65) called the Hydrogen 7. Only 100 examples were produced and leased to certain customers over a brief period.

“The CEO stated that using hydrogen in its current form is not the most efficient way to go about it. If hydrogen is to be used in the future, then fuel cells are the way to go. Fuel cells are essentially just batteries, but they are the most effective way to generate energy from hydrogen,” he said.

Despite this, it doesn’t appear that Rolls-Royce will be making the switch to fuel cells anytime soon. The company will wait until the technology has progressed further before making any moves. “That is definitely something we would pursue as Rolls-Royce. Why not? We might exit batteries, and we might enter into fuel cells,” said Muller-Otvos.

A Rolls-Royce is developed to be the paramount example of luxury motoring. Comfort is more than merely the wood grain and plush leather; it’s also freedom – the capability to journey swiftly (and effortlessly) with no problem or concern.

In the event that a Rolls-Royce fueled by hydrogen as a source of energy fails to meet expectations on all levels, it would be rendered inadequate – and such an idea is never tolerated within the context of the luxury goods maker.

Muller-Otvos’ observations come at once when Rolls-Royce’s parent business, BMW, is actively experimenting the iX5 hydrogen-fueled SUV around the world.

Exclusively offered in a miniscule quantity (only five are available in California), this SUV can generate 369 HP and has a range of 310 miles. Refueling the pack takes below 5 minutes, creating a way more convenient experience compared to charging an average battery-powered electric vehicle.

Despite the fact that most Rolls-Royce owners already have electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in their garages, refueling with hydrogen presents a more considerable challenge. “You can’t obviously have hydrogen charging at home, whereas [with battery EVs] you have one major benefit, and all our clients have substantial garages,” remarked Muller-Otvos. “There is a lot of room at home, and there is plenty of space in office buildings to install charging.”

The automotive producer will persist in considering the hydrogen domain and proceed to evaluate the potential of motor-driven cars powered by hydrogen. The serenity, comfort and exemplary performance offered by Rolls-Royce automobiles make them well-suited for electrification.