As electric and hybrid vehicles continue to grow in popularity throughout the world, new emphasis on hydrogen fuel cell testing aims to improve the technology and allow it to compete with more prevalent lithium-ion batteries, aiming to build a better car.
Vehicle manufacturers have recently started teaming up to test and develop new components for fuel cells. General Motors and Honda have announced joint plans to develop new hydrogen fuel-cell systems, while the auto industry has also seen alliances built between Ford, Nissan and Daimler, and between Toyota and BMW, according to The Detroit News.
As government requirements for fuel efficiency and environmental ratings become more difficult to achieve for manufacturers, multiple vehicle producers joining together allow them to split expenses of often-pricey development, allowing them to refocus their capital on new markets and saving them up to hundreds of millions of dollars, according to the news source.
High costs and lack of filling stations have harmed the appeal of hydrogen fuel-cell technology, but mass production of the vehicles may become more likely with increased testing as it can allow costs to fall and infrastructure to improve, according to the Australian Associated Press.
Increased emphasis on testing can reduce costs, improve vehicles’ quality and lifespans and help companies create more environmentally-friendly cars.