[mikeash]

I agree that batteries look to be way superior, and I don't see any point in hydrogen. I especially don't understand why companies like Toyota are pushing it.

However, it's good to have alternatives. Maybe some big breakthrough will suddenly turn hydrogen into the better alternative. (This is not that breakthrough, to be sure.) So even if electric is better, I'm glad to see research like this.

I disagree that electric will mean cars are mostly a software game. Exterior look, interior accommodations, and driving dynamics still count for a lot.