Ameer Randolph
Hydrogen fuel cells are an alternative to diesel-powered vehicles and have been regarded as a promising technology for decades. They are related to electric cars but are different in many ways. Hydrogen fuel cells are powered by the most abundant element in the universe: hydrogen. They produce zero tailpipe emissions and the only waste they produce is water vapour. Despite the potential, hydrogen fuel cells have not become mainstream. Electric vehicles have become more popular, with their prices dropping due to the falling price of lithium-ion batteries. However, some car companies are still working on hydrogen fuel cells and believe in the technology.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Related to electric cars but with differences that make them rarer |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Produce no tailpipe emissions, only water vapour |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | More expensive than comparable gasoline vehicles and electric vehicles |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Require less refuelling time than electric vehicles |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Quieter than gasoline vehicles |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Require less energy to produce than electric vehicles |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Can be refuelled at special pumps |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Have a shorter range than electric vehicles at higher speeds |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Are less efficient than electric vehicles |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Are eligible for rebates from California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles | Are being developed by car companies such as Honda, GM, BMW, and Toyota |
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What You'll Learn
- Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are zero-emission vehicles that emit only water vapour
- Fuel-cell technology has been in development for decades but has been slow to progress
- Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are still very rare, with only 3,143 sold in the US in 2023
- Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are more expensive than comparable gasoline vehicles and electric vehicles
- Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are being developed by car companies such as GM, Honda, and BMW
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are zero-emission vehicles that emit only water vapour
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) are zero-emission vehicles that emit only water vapour and warm air. They are powered by a fuel-cell stack in which pure hydrogen passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen from the air, producing the electricity that turns the wheels. This process also creates water vapour, which is the only byproduct emitted by the vehicle. HFCVs are related to electric vehicles (EVs) but have some distinct advantages and disadvantages.
One advantage of HFCVs over EVs is their faster refuelling time. HFCVs can typically be refuelled in just five minutes, which is similar to the refuelling time of traditional gas-powered vehicles. In contrast, EVs often require much longer charging times, which can be inconvenient for drivers. Additionally, HFCVs do not suffer from the same range limitations as EVs. HFCVs can generally travel 300 to 400 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, while EVs often have shorter ranges that are significantly reduced at higher speeds.
However, one significant disadvantage of HFCVs is the limited availability of hydrogen fuelling stations. As of 2022, California was the only state in the US with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations, and even there, the number of stations fell short of the planned goal. The thin infrastructure for supplying hydrogen to retail outlets can lead to disruptions in supply, as seen in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2019 when an explosion cut off supply to multiple hydrogen stations.
Despite these challenges, some car companies are still working on developing hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Honda, for example, has been testing a prototype of the Giga Fuel Cell truck in Japan and is also working on a hydrogen fuel-cell model for the Komatsu 930E electric drive mining truck. GM has also announced plans to develop a lineup of zero-emission vocational vehicles powered by fuel cells. These companies believe in the potential of hydrogen fuel-cell technology, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles that may not be well-suited to battery power due to long recharging times.
In conclusion, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles offer a zero-emission alternative to traditional gas-powered cars, emitting only water vapour and warm air. While HFCVs have some advantages over EVs, such as faster refuelling times and longer ranges, they face challenges in terms of fuelling infrastructure and the limited availability of hydrogen fuelling stations. Nonetheless, some car companies remain committed to developing this technology, particularly for niche applications where battery-electric vehicles may not be feasible.
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Fuel-cell technology has been in development for decades but has been slow to progress
One of the main challenges hindering the widespread adoption of fuel-cell technology is the cost of hydrogen fuel. The lifetime cost of ownership for a fuel-cell car has decreased in recent years, but it remains high due to the expense of hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen fuel requires more energy for transportation and storage compared to gasoline or diesel, which contributes to its higher cost. Additionally, the process of producing hydrogen fuel through electrolysis results in significant energy loss, further impacting the overall efficiency of the energy chain.
Another factor contributing to the slow progress of fuel-cell technology is the dominance of electric vehicles (EVs). The rise of companies like Tesla has propelled the popularity of EVs worldwide, and the decreasing prices of lithium-ion batteries have made them a more affordable option for many consumers. The existence of a vast, nationwide electrical system also gives EVs an advantage over hydrogen-powered cars, as transitioning to electric vehicles leverages this existing infrastructure.
However, there are still efforts within the auto industry to advance fuel-cell technology. Honda and GM, for example, have jointly invested in the development of hydrogen fuel-cell systems, aiming to reduce costs and improve practicality. Additionally, initiatives like the California Hydrogen Business Council in the US and the Clean Energy Partnership in Germany are working to expand the infrastructure for hydrogen fuel and support the commercialization of fuel-cell technology.
While fuel-cell technology has faced challenges and slow progress, it still holds potential, especially for certain applications. Hydrogen fuel cells could be particularly well-suited for heavy-duty and long-haul trucks, as they offer longer driving ranges and shorter refueling times compared to EVs. As innovations in hydrogen production and infrastructure emerge, fuel-cell technology may become more competitive and play a role in the transition to cleaner energy sources.
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Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are still very rare, with only 3,143 sold in the US in 2023
The availability of vehicles and refuelling infrastructure remains limited for hydrogen fuel-cell cars. The high prices of hydrogen also make driving expensive. There are few advantages in terms of range or refuelling time when compared to modern EVs. Hydrogen cars are also inefficient compared to battery-electric vehicles.
However, the auto industry still believes in hydrogen fuel-cell technology, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles that carry heavy payloads and don't have time for lengthy recharging sessions. GM and Honda have recently begun commercial production of hydrogen fuel-cell systems, and Honda is also developing a fuel-cell-powered heavy-duty truck with Isuzu Motors Limited. Despite this, some industry leaders have expressed scepticism about the viability of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, citing the high costs and inefficiencies associated with hydrogen as a vehicle fuel.
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Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are more expensive than comparable gasoline vehicles and electric vehicles
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCEVs) are more expensive than comparable gasoline vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) due to a range of factors. Firstly, the cost of hydrogen fuel is high, with hydrogen historically priced at about $20 per kilogram, and more recently, at up to $36 per kilogram in California. This is significantly more expensive than the price of gasoline and electricity. The scarcity of hydrogen processed for use in FCEVs contributes to its high cost.
Secondly, the lifetime cost of ownership for a fuel cell car is higher than that of a comparable gasoline vehicle or an EV. This is because of the additional costs associated with hydrogen fuel, such as the energy required for storing and delivering it to fueling stations. The process of refining hydrogen can also be more expensive and environmentally detrimental than the generation of electricity for EVs, unless renewable energy sources are used.
Thirdly, FCEVs themselves are often more expensive to purchase than their gasoline or EV counterparts. For example, the two mainstream hydrogen cars available in the US, the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo, start at around $50,000 and $60,000, respectively. This makes them significantly more expensive than many comparable gasoline and EV options.
Finally, the infrastructure for supplying hydrogen to retail outlets and fueling stations is still relatively thin and underdeveloped compared to the established network of gas stations and EV charging stations. This limited infrastructure can increase the cost of owning and operating a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, as it may require specialized equipment and longer travel distances to refuel.
Despite the higher costs of FCEVs, there is ongoing interest and investment in the technology by car companies and the auto industry. This is due to the potential benefits of hydrogen fuel cells, such as their ability to power heavy-duty vehicles that require quick refueling and their role in reducing emissions and addressing the climate crisis. However, the high costs of FCEVs compared to other options remain a significant challenge to their widespread adoption.
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Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are being developed by car companies such as GM, Honda, and BMW
GM is working on its HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cells, which combine hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air to generate electricity and water. The company is investing $35 billion in EV and AV technology through 2025 and is aiming to become the market leader in EVs in North America. GM is also working with Navistar to implement a zero-emission long-haul system for their International® RHTM Series vehicle and is developing a fuel cell power generation system for aircraft applications with Liebherr-Aerospace.
Honda has been a pioneer in hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, with the Honda FCX Clarity, initially released in 2008, being the first hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle available to retail customers. The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, with a range of 366 miles, had the highest EPA driving range rating of any zero-emissions vehicle in the US until early 2019. Honda also offers the Honda CR-V e:FCEV, which has improved battery capacity compared to other hydrogen vehicles. Honda plans to offer hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles at costs competitive with gasoline mid-size cars.
BMW is working on the iX5 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powered SUV, a concept vehicle that is not yet available for purchase. The iX5 Hydrogen offers long-distance range, short refueling times of around 3-4 minutes, and emission-free driving. BMW assembled and produced the fuel cell systems used in the iX5 Hydrogen in a special center for hydrogen in Munich, Germany.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, car companies are still working on fuel cells. Honda, for example, is developing a fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck with Isuzu Motors Limited, and BMW has joined the Clean Energy Partnership initiative to expand the infrastructure for hydrogen refueling stations.
Fuel cells are seen as a promising alternative to diesel-powered vehicles, and they could help meet government regulations aimed at curbing emissions. Hydrogen fuel cells are also being explored as a way to power heavy-duty trucks, as the driving ranges and recharging times of electric vehicles may not be suitable for long-haul trucking.
Fuel cell vehicles are quiet, energy-efficient, produce no emissions, and have a similar range and performance to gasoline-powered cars. Hydrogen is also the most abundant chemical substance in the universe and can be used as a fuel that does not produce greenhouse gases when burned.
Fuel cell vehicles currently have high costs, long refueling times, and limited infrastructure for refueling. They are also less efficient than electric vehicles, and the production of hydrogen fuel can be energy-intensive.
The future of fuel cell vehicles depends on innovations that make hydrogen cleaner and cheaper. If these challenges can be overcome, we may see hydrogen-powered trucks cruising down highways alongside their battery-powered cousins. However, electric vehicles are currently more dominant in the market, and it is unclear if fuel cell vehicles will be able to catch up.
