Is the Rotem K3 the Best Argument for Hydrogen Fuel Cells Yet?

Hyundai have unveiled the Rotem K3, a futuristic main battle tank and the world’s first Hydrogen-powered fighting vehicle.

Yes, I know we hardly ever write about military hardware, it is not really our thing, but, the Hyundai Rotem K3 may have the ability to make the powers-that-be rethink their head long dive into the abyss of EV mobility.

It is no secret that Hydrogen power is just not taking off in the world of personal mobility despite some industry heavy weights like Toyota believing that it is a far better alternative to ICE engines than any EV could ever be. 

Hyundai have already offered their own one, called the NEXO, which was a fuel cell crossover, we didn’t see it here as it was only available for lease in California.

Hyundais next foray into the Hydrogen market looks set to be via its military off-shoot, Hyundai Rotem.  Known as the Rotem K3 and still only a concept at present, the main battle tank will be powered by a hydrogen engine which replaces the old school diesel engines favoured by a lot of militaries around the world.

Armies are not generally seen as being carries of the green flag so why have Hyundai adopted this innovative stance? To put it simply, a hydrogen fuel cell promises to be quieter and cooler thus increasing the stealth capability of the tank in terms of sound and heat signature.

The new engine will also have far greater range, be quick to refuel and has far fewer parts making maintenance easier as well.

Then there is the performance. The crazy levels of instant torque that an electric powertrain coupled to a fuel cell can produce would make traversing across mountainous terrain and obstacles a breeze, and Korea is a mountainous country.

But don’t hold your breath. The tank, if commissioned, will not become reality until 2030 and probably not deployed until 2040.

The tank will be equipped with all sorts of military hardware for offensive and defence purposes, but that doesn’t interest us particularly.  What does though is the fact that a major world auto-manufacturer considers that Hydrogen can easily out-perform a conventional EV platform in the most testing of environments.  Perhaps we should all start looking a little more at the hydrogen fuel cell future.