I think the efficiency of pure EVs is too good to ignore. I'm not disagreeing that we have to have hydrogen to hit zero emissions, but lots of factors related to personal vehicles where pure EV makes sense. I don't think they will be the only types, possible over time as green hydrogen economics improve we might see more of a mix for sale.
But given how long it will take to build out to 3x renewable generation capacity and then auto makers to change, etc etc I don't think that will be for another 10+ years, but hope I'm wrong.
It's already starting to happen. It won't be something that happens decades in the future. The disruption of EVs by hydrogen technology is likely a current event.
I think its time we start realizing that much of the "efficiency" argument is an exaggeration or a lie. EVs aren't that efficient especially in cold weather, and fuel cell cars aren't really that far off. The other big issue is the inability to capture excess renewable energy. As we keep on building out more renewables, we're finding out that curtailed energy is growing exponentially. Pretty soon the vast majority of renewable energy will just go to waste. Hydrogen allows to use that energy, but batteries won't. Combined with the huge resource requirements of batteries it's clear that this technology is primed for a major stumble.
But given how long it will take to build out to 3x renewable generation capacity and then auto makers to change, etc etc I don't think that will be for another 10+ years, but hope I'm wrong.