The electrification revolution has become an electrification race. With the unveiling of the hydrogen-powered Class 8 semitruck, Honda has entered the competition.

Advancements in electric vehicles are changing the way we get around. From new EVs with smart batteries that can transform into e-bikes, mopeds or motorcycles to the development of metal-air battery technology, there’s a lot happening in the EV space.

Now, Honda has unveiled the hydrogen semitruck concept, which debuted earlier this year at the annual Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in Las Vegas, as Electrek explained. Aimed at expanding its sustainable transportation fleet to become more fuel-efficient, the company designed the concept to be applied to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

The Class 8 truck concept comes at an exciting time, as Honda has “begun to accelerate” toward electrification since Toshihiro Mibe became CEO in April 2021, the outlet said.

The global company has expressed interest in developing a hydrogen strategy that would include commercial vehicles, consumer vehicles, construction equipment and power plants. At the time of its release, the concept had an estimated top speed of 70 mph and a range of 400 miles at gross combination weight.

“Commercial vehicles, including Class 8 trucks, where fuel cells are the best zero-emission replacement for existing diesel applications, are an important part of Honda’s broad hydrogen strategy,” said Ryan Harty, assistant vice president of sustainability and corporate development.

Honda hopes to find manufacturing partners to turn its fuel cell concept into reality and carve out a niche in the clean heavy-duty vehicle market. One issue could be price. According to Electrek, the “normal” hydrogen price of about $15 per kilogram is more expensive than diesel per kilometer.

Concerns about the pollution created during the battery manufacturing process and the environmental impact of mining the elements needed to make the battery have made consumers reluctant to buy EVs. Despite this, most EVs have an efficiency of around 80%, according to Earth.Org, which saves owners money and significantly reduces air pollution in the long run.

Hydrogen vehicles are a step in the right direction for clean transport. Rolls-Royce, for example, has tested hydrogen-powered aircraft engines, showing that hydrogen can reduce pollution from flights by up to 75%.

Honda’s latest concept aims to make hydrogen fuel cells accessible to commercial vehicles.

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