Kraftwerk collaboration with Volkswagen AG, is official.

Volkswagen likes to present itself as a pioneer in electric mobility among established automakers, fully committed to battery-electric drive. There are several reasons for this: firstly, the Wolfsburg-based company aims to build a green reputation to improve its tarnished image after the diesel scandal. Additionally, a consistent electrification strategy, following Tesla's model, is well-received on the stock market and by industry analysts.

Competitors like Toyota and BMW, who communicate that they are still working on hydrogen powertrains and new combustion engines, are criticized for being inconsistent and not focused enough. According to VW CEO Herbert Diess, there is no alternative to battery power for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. This aligns with his technological role model, Elon Musk. The Tesla CEO had mocked the fuel cell in June 2020 on Twitter, calling it a "Fools Cell."

Herbert Diess opposes the technology
In May 2021, Diess used a study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) to reinforce his opposition to the hydrogen powertrain. The PIK study concluded that hydrogen-powered cars are not suitable, in the medium term, to replace conventional combustion engines on a large scale. Compared to battery-electric cars, their efficiency is significantly lower, and the climate-friendly green hydrogen – at least in the coming years – will not be available in sufficient quantities.

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