In the quest for a cleaner, more sustainable future, hydrogen-powered vehicles are frequently compared with electric cars as a key solution. Electric vehicles have been the buzz in the news and among consumers, but hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a different approach, with low or even zero emissions and an increased range of more than 350 miles. So, does this mean hydrogen cars are the future of driving? The answer is in knowing what technology can and cannot do now and can and cannot do tomorrow.
Getting to know hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
Cars powered by hydrogen convert the odorless, colorless gas into electricity using a fuel cell and emit only water vapor as waste. Unlike battery EVs, they do not carry around electricity in big batteries but create it on the move. There is no exhaust from the tailpipe, just water vapor, so hydrogen cars are a zero-emission choice.
The process is highly efficient and silent, and akin to an electric car, with the added benefit of quick refueling. A hydrogen tank can be filled in about five minutes, versus the hours most EVs take to charge. This makes hydrogen cars especially attractive for commercial fleets and long-distance journeys.
Current Advantages of Hydrogen Cars
Fast Refueling Time
Hydrogen vehicles can be refueled in minutes, like gasoline vehicles are so they have a clear advantage over EVs in terms of convenience.
Extended Driving Range
And a lot of hydrogen cars match or exceed the range of their battery electric equivalents. The Toyota Mirai, for instance, has a range of over 400 miles on a single tank.
No Tailpipe Emissions
Because hydrogen fuel cells only emit a harmless amount of water vapor, they are eco-friendly, especially when the hydrogen is produced from green renewable energy.
Lightweight Design
Hydrogen cars do not get heavier with larger packs as opposed to battery EVs; therefore, performance and efficiency are not as significantly impacted.
Challenges and Limitations
Hydrogen cars face plenty of challenges despite their potential:
Absence of the Refueling Facility
However, one of the major barriers is the lack of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Most are clustered in certain areas, such as California or Japan, meaning that hydrogen cars would be out of reach for many drivers.
High Production Costs
These cars are costly to make, and fuel cells are complex and rely on rare materials such as platinum. Hydrogen Production Concerns
Hydrogen Production Concerns
Currently, most of that hydrogen comes from natural gas in a process called steam methane reforming that releases carbon dioxide. If this hydrogen is not produced by electrolysis with renewables, which is called green hydrogen, the environmental benefit diminishes.
Energy Inefficiency
Manufacturing, compressing, storing, shipping, and converting hydrogen into energy is a less efficient process than just charging and driving BEVs.
Who Is Investing in Hydrogen?
Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda have all launched hydrogen-powered models along with several other major car companies. Nations from Japan to South Korea have been spending heavily on hydrogen infrastructure and policies as part of a diversified clean energy portfolio.
In addition, hydrogen is catching on in industries that stretch beyond passenger cars in trucking, shipping, public transport, and even aviation, where battery options are not always feasible due to weight or energy needs.
Hydrogen vs Electric: Complementary or Competitive
It is not hydrogen instead of electric, but hydrogen and electric. Each has its strengths. Battery electric cars are better for lifestyle, city use, and where established recharging exists. Hydrogen could , in turn, be more of a match for long-distance transport commercial fleets and heavy-duty applications.
Both have their place in the pursuit of the global imperative to decarbonize, and the future is probably a mix that suits myriad different requirements best.
Conclusion:
Hydrogen cars are not a panacea, at least not yet. Their prospects depend on large upfront investments in infrastructure, cleaner means of producing hydrogen, and lower production costs. Hydrogen fuel cell tech is promising and has some applications for certain industries, but it is years away from being practical for consumer cars.
The featured image is for illustrative purposes only and is not affiliated with or representative of any specific brand or vehicle
