Rowan Atkinson, the famed Mr. Bean actor, pilots a hydrogen-fueled Toyota GR Yaris during the Goodwood event.
Rowan Atkinson Expresses Support for Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles
Rowan Atkinson, the beloved British actor known for his roles in Blackadder, Johnny English, and Mr Bean, has voiced his support for hydrogen-powered vehicles while expressing skepticism about current electric cars.
During a recent appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Atkinson criticized the noise of electric racing cars, comparing them to a washing machine on spin cycle. However, he has shown support for zero tailpipe emissions technology.
Atkinson believes that hydrogen vehicles, both fuel cell and internal combustion engine, could be a viable alternative to electric cars towards achieving zero tailpipe emissions. He feels "duped" by electric vehicles due to the environmental impact of their heavy-metal batteries and believes that only with the replacement of conventional batteries by solid-state batteries or hydrogen fuel cells will EVs truly benefit the planet.
Atkinson's comments suggest a preference for piston-engined cars in motorsport. He has previously criticized the rise of battery-powered vehicles in a column for UK publication The Guardian. However, he has also expressed a certain customer resistance to electric racing cars at the moment.
Atkinson has publicly driven and praised hydrogen-powered vehicles, including the Toyota GR Yaris Hydrogen model showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023. The hydrogen-powered Toyota GR Yaris was previously shown in demonstration runs at World Rally Championship events.
Toyota, the manufacturer of the GR Yaris, is a major proponent of hydrogen fuel cells and actively participates in developing hydrogen-powered vehicles. The company believes in a range of low- and zero-emission technologies to cater to different buyers, including traditional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen technology, not just electric power.
Despite Toyota's investment in hydrogen technology, the company has been criticized by automotive industry experts for being "late to the party" in investing in electric vehicles. However, Toyota continues to invest in hydrogen infrastructure and vehicle technology, positioning itself as a key player in the hydrogen vehicle future alongside electric vehicles.
In summary, Rowan Atkinson supports hydrogen-powered vehicles and sees them as potentially better alternatives to electric cars. He believes that hydrogen could become mainstream if it wins the power race, potentially stocked at every filling station. Toyota, on the other hand, is a major proponent of hydrogen fuel cells and actively participates in developing hydrogen-powered vehicles like the GR Yaris H2. The company continues to invest in hydrogen infrastructure and vehicle technology, positioning itself as a key player in the hydrogen vehicle future alongside electric vehicles.
References:
- Rowan Atkinson's Speech at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023
- Toyota GR Yaris Hydrogen Model at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023
- JCB's Progress in Hydrogen Engines
- Toyota's Investment in Hydrogen Technology
- Rowan Atkinson, expressing his support for hydrogen-powered vehicles, sees potential in their widespread usage if they can win the power race, possibly being stocked at every filling station across the industry.
- In line with this support, Toyota, a major proponent of hydrogen fuel cells, has developed and showcased the hydrogen-powered Toyota GR Yaris model, demonstrating its commitment to hydrogen technology in the transportation sector.
- Meanwhile, Toyota, a key player in the automotive industry, has faced criticism for being late to invest in electric finance, but continues to balance its investment in both electric and hydrogen technology, positioning itself as a leader in both the electric and hydrogen transportation industries.
