Monday, April 1, 2024

Hydrogen-powered vehicles set to rival gas, electric cars by 2050: Chang

 


Hydrogen-powered vehicles are set to rival those running on petrol and electricity by 2050, said the science, technology and innovation minister.

Chang Lih Kang believed such vehicles could be competitive in the long run.

“By 2050, this hydrogen (powered vehicles) can be more competitive compared to petrol-powered cars,” he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

Chang said even Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who drove the car during a demonstration this morning, was impressed by the technology.

“He seemed interested, felt very intrigued. The PM’s initial reaction was that this car is very quiet, and he asked many questions about the hydrogen ecosystem,” Chang added.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a demonstration of the Toyota Mirai hydrogen vehicle

Anwar test-drove the Toyota Mirai hydrogen vehicle after officiating the demonstration event which also featured the use of a mobile hydrogen refuelling unit.

Chang said hydrogen vehicles take only three to five minutes to charge, and a car can travel up to 1,000km on a single charge.

When asked about the price of hydrogen cars, Chang said such cars are not yet mass-produced and therefore not commercially available for now.

Potential RM12b revenue in energy trade

The minister said by 2030, the country could benefit from the hydrogen economy with a potential RM12 billion in revenue in the energy trade industry.

“We are also looking at collaborating with the private sector, including Toyota, to help Malaysia create a more robust hydrogen economic ecosystem, as we have both supply and demand,” he added.

Mobile hydrogen refuelling unit

Chang said this initiative aligns with the government’s target to reduce carbon emissions by 2050.

“This is also a target for us to achieve by 2050, where our country can achieve zero carbon.”

Last month, Bernama reported that Chang expected hydrogen energy to be affordable at 15 sen per kilowatt hour (kWh) in the local market within five years.

Presently it is being sold between 60 and 80 sen per kwh, he added. - Mkini

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