Günther Schuh, a distinguished German Auto Pioneer and the mind behind electric vehicle (EV) initiatives like e.GO Mobile and StreetScooter, argues that combining hydrogen fuel cells with batteries offers a more sensible path forward for electric cars, both economically and environmentally, compared to relying solely on massive battery packs.
Speaking at a Hanover trade fair, Schuh, who leads the e-car startup e.GO Mobile and was instrumental in developing the StreetScooter electric delivery van now utilized by Deutsche Post DHL, stated that solely depending on batteries is not the optimal strategy. He highlighted the slow pace of battery cost reduction in the coming decade and emphasized the greater ecological benefits of using smaller batteries in conjunction with fuel cells.
Schuh dismissed the purely battery-versus-fuel cell debate as overly simplistic. He championed an “intelligent combination” as the most effective route, suggesting that while fuel cell systems remain expensive for smaller passenger vehicles, they possess a greater potential for future cost reductions than batteries. “Building an electric car isn’t the difficult part; creating an affordable electric car is the real challenge,” Schuh added, stressing the importance of prioritizing simplicity and affordability in EV development. He estimates that a network of just 800 to 1,000 hydrogen filling stations would establish a viable infrastructure for hydrogen-powered mobility across Germany.
e.GO Mobile, Schuh’s company, has developed the e.GO Life, a sub-compact EV with an entry price of 16,000 euros, and the e.GO Mover minibus, which offers an optional fuel cell range extender. Significantly, Volkswagen, Germany’s largest automaker, has recognized e.GO Mobile’s innovative approach, naming it as the first external partner for its modular electric vehicle platform. This collaboration aims to leverage Volkswagen’s platform to introduce EVs that complement their existing vehicle lineup, further validating Schuh’s pioneering vision in the electric vehicle landscape.
