We are prob getting a little of topic here but I don't agree that Toyota is backing away from hydrogen fuel cells
EV is going to be life changing and the most common type of passenger car no doubt but
Yep,
The issue not being discussed is weight.
Take the Tesla model s for example.
With a range of 400km The 85 kWh battery pack weighs 1,200 lb (540 kg)
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Model_S
Now in theory we could extend it's range by adding more and more battery packs but if you try to double the range to 800km with 1000kg battery pack you can see the problem. The 1 ton of battery is going to drain faster as the increased weight is forced to accelerate at each traffic light.
It's likely battery energy density will increase slightly but even if it goes from 265 Wh/kg to 300 it's still not a spectacular alteration to this equation.
In short pure EV is unlikely to be able to fill the role for long haul family transport like a drive from Brisbane to Melbourne with 2.5 kids and a car full of fishing rods and bikes.
Hydrogen fuel cell/ EV hyrbid technology is the best way forward and Toyota and Honda are well area of this.
