New hydrogen concept from Hyundai is taking back “tank turn”
When Rivian posted its now legendary “tank turn” video back in 2019, it forced a lot of people to realize that electric drive could open up new possibilities for the way cars move. Now, Hyundai Rotem is promising to build a silent, electric-drive battle tank that can pull off the same trick — and a whole lot more.
Diesel-electric drive technology isn’t new. It’s been powering trains, cranes, and other big machines for decades. It’s only relatively recently that the US military began experimenting with diesel electric “hybrid” tanks, however — with the Bradley BHEV prototype breaking cover (publicly, at least) for the first time in 2022. The US Army reported that the hybrid electric drive configuration allowed for a 20% improvement in fuel economy, increased operating range, and improved performance. At the same time, the Army speculated that the Bradley BHEV would require reduced maintenance compared to its diesel counterparts, due to a reduction in the number of moving parts and the reduced load(s) on the diesel generator.
Hyundai Rotem’s latest concept takes that idea a step further by removing the diesel generator altogether and replacing it with hydrogen fuel cells that would not only send power to electric motors driving the tank’s treads, but do so silently.
What’s more, because a fuel cell and battery pack-equipped tank can operate without giving off a diesel exhaust’s heat signature, it effectively masks the tank from thermal vision equipment and heat-seeking weaponry.
“In line with the ESG [environmental, social, governance] trend, we are developing tanks powered by hydrogen fuel cells, an eco-friendly energy source,” a Hyundai Rotem official said. “In collaboration with the [Korean government’s] Agency for Defense Development and others, with the development expected to be completed around 2040 according to the research roadmap.”
Which — look, calling hydrogen a “green” fuel is controversial, at best. It’s certainly impossible for hydrogen to compete with battery electric for transportation, but there may be a case for its use in extremely energy-dense situations like severe duty heavy equipment that might sink into mud or dirt due to the weight of its batteries or, frankly, military operations where cost and emissions are less of a concern than the ability to effectively help kill people before they kill you (no need to sugarcoat it). In that context, hydrogen might make sense.
Hyundai certainly thinks so, and the concept shown here enhances the capabilities of the company’s existing K2 main battle tank with better acceleration, quieter operation, and radar absorbing materials that, combined with the vehicle’s low heat signature, make it a very formidable machine.
The tank also features, autonomous driving to reduce the threat to human assets, remote drone operation for reconnaissance and support operations, and a 130 millimeter smooth bore gun.
Hyundai plans to begin production of a similar machine in the next decade, with the goal of eventually achieving a fully electrified tank platform by 2040.
Electrek’s Take
Pak Jae-yeol, commander of the 7th Corps, told The Korea Economic Daily that, “if tactical equipment such as tanks and helicopters move without noise and fumes, the army’s power will become stronger.”
It’s hard to argue with that. What I can argue with, however, is Hydrogen Insight’s assertion that, “Battery-electric military vehicles are not considered a practical option because armed forces cannot rely on access to an electricity grid in wartime.”
It’s hard to think of a dumber solution to fuel insecurity than hydrogen — a fuel that is notoriously difficult to refine, store, and transport (safely or otherwise). Especially when off-grid solar and wood-burning solutions for generating heat and electricity are actively being developed by other respected defense contractors like Rolls-Royce and Volvo.
But no one asked me, right? The good news is that I’m asking you whether or not any of that makes sense, so head on down to the comments and tell me how it is.
SOURCE | IMAGES: Hyundai Rotem, via The Korea Herald; Fuel Cell Works, Hydrogen Insight.
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After several months of waiting, Lucid Air drivers now have access to Android Auto. Lucid (LCID) launched the popular feature through a software update this week.
Lucid Air owners gain access to Android Auto
Lucid promised it was coming, and now it’s finally here. “Android Auto is one of the most requested features,” according to Lucid’s head of software engineering, Dr Jean-Philippe Gauthier.
All Lucid Air vehicles now have access to Android Auto Smart Driving Companion through an OTA software update (Lucid OS 2.7.0).
You can now view Android apps, messages, and other media on Lucid’s massive 34″ Air Glass Cockpit. For those with Android 11 or higher, you can connect to Android Auto wirelessly. Those with Android 9.0 or higher will require a USB cable.
Lucid said it would launch the popular feature late last year, but it’s just beginning to roll out to Air owners this week. The company website says the Gravity SUV “will support both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” but no further specifics are mentioned.
The 2025 Lucid Air is the “world’s most efficient car” with over 420 miles of EPA-estimated driving range. It also boasts the highest MPGe of any EV at 146 MPGe.
After resuming Gravity deliveries in April, Lucid is quickly ramping up production of its first electric SUV. Lucid expects to produce 20,000 vehicles this year, more than double the 9,000 it made last year.
The Lucid Gravity GT is now available for sale at $94,900, boasting an impressive range of up to 450 miles. Later this year, Lucid will launch the lower-priced Touring trim, starting at $79,900.
After launching its largest discounts to date earlier this month, Lucid is currently offering over $30,000 off select 2025 Air models.
Looking to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find current deals on the Lucid Air and Gravity near you.
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Another entry-level electric car is on the way. The Honda Super EV Concept may look a bit funky, but it could be the automaker’s next big hit at an affordable price.
Is Honda launching an affordable EV?
We will get our first full look at the funky new Super EV Concept at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England, next month.
The concept will make its global debut during the event, previewing a “new, small-size” electric vehicle. Despite its compact size, the company promises that it will be fun to drive, with an experience that is “unique to Honda.”
Designed as an A-segment electric SUV, Honda says the affordable EV offers an “uplifting, heart-pounding driving experience.”
The company is already testing prototypes in the UK. Although Honda confirmed plans to launch a production model in the future, it didn’t specify a date or offer any other technical details.
Honda will also use the event to hold the European premiere of the electric 0 Series SUV. Earlier this year, we got a look at the upcoming electric SUV (also a bit funky looking) after a prototype was showcased at a Formula One event in Tokyo.
You can see Honda is using the same purple camouflage used for the 0 Series electric SUV to disguise it. The Super EV Concept looks like a futuristic successor to the Honda e. However, with a new EV platform, batteries, and motor, Honda’s new models look to be a significant upgrade.
The new EV SUV will be one of seven new electric vehicles Honda plans to launch by 2030. A production version of the Super EV concept is expected to join it.
The new Super EV Concept will make its official debut, climbing the 1.16-mile (1.856 km) hill course at Goodwood FOS, which runs from July 10 to July 13.
Will Honda launch its new entry-level EV in the US? According to a Nikkei report earlier this year, Honda plans to launch an affordable EV, priced under $30,000 in the US, following the 0 Series electric SUV and sedan.
We’ll have to wait until closer to launch for confirmation. Check back soon for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
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Tesla (TSLA) has reportedly told employees that it will pause production at Gigafactory Texas, where it produces Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles, for the second time in as many months.
In late May, Tesla extended a long weekend into a week-long production shutdown at Gigafactory Texas.
The move came amid lower demand and inventory buildups.
We reported earlier today that Tesla has to rent out empty parking lots around the US to use as overflow lots for its extra inventory.
Now, Tesla told employees that it is again shutting down Model Y and Cybertruck production at Gigafactory Texas over the first week of July.
With the Fourth of July being a Friday this year, it was going to be a long weekend, but Tesla again decided to extend the production shutdown from June 30th through the following week, according to employees talking to Business Insider.
Tesla claimed that it will enable the company to perform “maintenance and improvements on production lines.” Employees are being offered paid time off or to come in for training.
As we have previously reported, Tesla has been throttling down production of the Cybertruck in 2025 as sales are currently tracking about half of last year.
That’s despite having launched cheaper versions of the electric truck, gaining access to the federal tax credit for the Cybertruck, and offering bigger discounts and incentives.
Tesla reported a 13% decrease in deliveries in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year, which the automaker attributed to its Model Y design changeover reducing production.
However, Tesla’s deliveries are currently tracking to be down even more in the second quarter compared to last year, despite Tesla having ramped up production.
Electrek’s Take
What’s going to be the excuse this quarter? As I reported earlier today, Tesla is currently tracking to deliver 355,000-360,000 units in Q2, which would be down 19-20% compared to 2024.
It would be an even steeper decline even with the new Model Y.
It clearly wasn’t the problem.
The automaker had already reduced its production capacity at most factories in 2024, when it ran at about 60% capacity due to lower demand.
Now, Tesla is stopping production of its best-selling Model Y with the new design twice in two months?
This is not looking good.
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