In a stunning announcement that left both Tesla fans and rivals of the automotive sector without words, Elon Musk has anticipated what he calls to be the largest automotive advancement of the decade: a hydrogen -powered engine designed to “annihilate the entire electric cars sector”.
Yes, you read that right. Elon Musk himself who in the past has publicly mocked the hydrogen fuel cells by calling them “silly cells”, is now mentioning a revolutionary turning point. And the automotive industry does not know whether to laugh, panic or call bluff.
Shock revelation
During a cryptic and out of script moment to a Tesla research and development event in Austin last night, Musk surprised the audience with only one, incendiary affirmation:
“People think that electric is the future. I will show you our new hydrogen engine that will annihilate the entire electric cars market – including ours. It is time to do the next jump.”
A few seconds later, a prototype appeared on the screen that looked like a hydrogen-electric hybrid powertraine, labeled “Hyperion project”.
Wait for a moment, Musk doesn’t hate hydrogen?
For years, Musk has been one of the most vocal critics of hydrogen technology, calling it “extraordinarily stupid” and “a waste of time for cars”. The experts in the sector and the supporters of electric cars are now hurrying to try to understand this sudden change of course.
Some experts claim that Musk has been secretly financing research and development projects on hydrogen since the beginning of 2023, while others suggest that this may be an advertising move elaborated to shake competing such as Toyota, Hyundai and BMW – the only large car manufacturers still heavily invested in hydrogen.
Could you really finish the era of electric cars?
Hydrogen technology boasts advantages such as faster refueling and greater autonomy compared to battery electric vehicles, but its challenges – including storage safety, infrastructure and production costs – have made it a niche option.
But if the rumors about Tesla’s solid state hydrogen tanks and the carbon -free production method (leaked in internal memos last month) were true, things could change radically.
Dr. Lila Carmichael, an analyst of energy technology, commented: “If Musk has solved storage and costs problems, it is not just a new engine – it would be an event that extinguishes battery electric cars as we know them.”
Chaos on social media
A few minutes after Musk’s comment, the hashtags #hydrogentesla and #evobliteration have started to be global trends. While some users celebrated him as “chaotic genius at most Elon”, others accused him of making fun of both investors and customers.
A viral post said: “This guy has spent a decade to sell us electric cars, now he is about to sell there hydrogen cars as if it were a twist in a science fiction film.”
What will happen now?
Musk has promised to completely reveal the engine prototype this summer, with the affirmation that will feed a new line of Tesla vehicles capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in less than 1.8 seconds and with a refueling time of only 3 minutes.
The experts in the sector are skeptical, but if the story has taught us something, it is that betting against the most daring ideas of Musk could be a risky move.
