Five-Point Inspection: Volkswagen Passat HyMotion Research Vehicle

When will it release?

To recap, VW showcased a hydrogen-powered Golf during the 2014 L.A. Auto Show and let the media drive one of the hydrogen powered Passat test mules. If I didn’t know better, it would be tempting to assume Volkswagen showrooms are gearing up to sell them in the near future. But I do know better…

Volkswagen said it isn’t prepared to market hydrogen-powered vehicles until a more robust infrastructure is in place. There are currently only a handful of hydrogen fuelling stations in the U.S., primarily concentrated in California.

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There is also a lack of detail about when Volkswagen will change its position on the subject. Toyota is launching its hydrogen fuel cell car early next year and planning to finance more hydrogen stations to support its customers. Hyundai also sells a hydrogen-powered version of the Tucson crossover and Honda is preparing a follow up to the FCX Clarity that Honda began building in 2008.