Rolls-Royce, the renowned luxury car brand, is contemplating a potential shift from all-electric powertrains to fuel cell technology for its forthcoming zero-emissions models. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce, revealed this possibility in an interview with Autocar. The decision to explore fuel cells comes in the wake of the company’s recent debut of the Spectre, its first-ever series-production battery electric vehicle (BEV). While the Spectre boasts an impressive driving range of over 300 miles (482 kilometers) and rapid charging capabilities, Müller-Ötvös believes that hydrogen fuel cells could serve as a viable alternative, particularly for the distinct needs of Rolls-Royce customers.
Müller-Ötvös dismissed the idea of hydrogen-powered combustion engines due to their inefficiency. He referred to previous experiments conducted by Rolls-Royce’s parent company, BMW, in the early 2000s, which demonstrated the limitations of hydrogen combustion engines. Instead, he emphasized that if hydrogen were to be employed, it would be through fuel cells, which function similarly to batteries by converting chemical energy into electrical energy.
The CEO expressed openness to the prospect of embracing fuel cells when the technology becomes more advanced and suitable for Rolls-Royce vehicles. He stated, “When the time is right for us, and when the technology is so much advanced, that it is definitely something we would pursue as Rolls-Royce. Why not? We might exit batteries, and we might enter into fuel cells.”
However, there are practical challenges that may hinder Rolls-Royce’s adoption of fuel cell technology. Unlike battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that can be conveniently charged at home, hydrogen refueling infrastructure is currently limited, making it difficult for customers to charge their vehicles at their residences. Müller-Ötvös acknowledged this constraint, noting, “You can’t obviously have hydrogen charging at home… Quite a lot of our clients already have charging installed at home because, for many, Spectre is not their very first electric car.”
While the future direction of Rolls-Royce’s zero-emissions models remains uncertain, the company’s CEO recognizes the potential of fuel cell technology and its compatibility with the brand’s discerning clientele. As technological advancements continue, Rolls-Royce will carefully evaluate whether fuel cells can provide a superior alternative to their current electric powertrains.
