Are All-Electric Vehicles The Future? [VIDEO]; Honda & Hyundai Don’t Think So; Here’s Why

Dec 02, 2016 05:57 AM EST | Vinay Patel

Aside from focusing on all-electric vehicles, Honda and Hyundai are committed to developing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, hoping that one of their alternate powertrains will pave way for the future.

Contrary to most automobile makers nowadays who are clamoring for all-electric vehicles, Honda and Hyundai believe that all-electric vehicles may not actually be the way forward. Bearing that in mind, the popular automakers are concentrating on both hydrogen and electric models. For instance, Hyundai is gearing up to launch one fuel cell vehicle, four all-electric vehicles, four plug-in hybrids, and five hybrids by 2020.

According to CEO of Hyundai Motor America Dave Zuchowski, the South Korean automaker realizes its position where it cannot predict the prevailing technology of the future and as a result, Zuchowski told Automotive News that they have to hedge their bets.

The vice president of Honda's environmental business development office Steven Center backed this sentiment, noting that the market will eventually disclose what they really want; until then, they will refrain from calling anything.

Not too many automakers seem keen on bringing hydrogen models to the market. Honda and Hyundai are among the few automakers currently exploring this segment, rather than just concentrate on making all-electric vehicles. The two auto giants have already brought hydrogen models such as the Tucson Hybrid and Clarity into the market.

Hyundai seems to be on a roll! The Korean automaker has become the first team to take the wraps off its 2017-spec car that it will compete upcoming WRC (World Rally Championship) season with, the i20 Coupe, MotorSport reported.

The 2017 WRC season will introduce a new set of regulations participants need to abide by, laying strong emphasis on aerodynamics and mechanical grip, in addition to engine power. As a result, Hyundai is not only participating in the regular season; this year, it has also taken on a testing program for the recently built car.

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