Katerina Swanson
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are electric cars that use hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, to power an electric motor. Unlike traditional electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell cars do not require a large, heavy battery. Instead, they use a fuel cell stack, where hydrogen combines with oxygen to produce electricity and water vapour. This makes them a type of hybrid vehicle. Hydrogen fuel cell cars are marketed by major automakers and are available for sale or lease in popular vehicle types, including sedans and compact SUVs. They are expected to become a significant part of the alternative-fuel fleet in the coming years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of vehicle | Electric car |
| Power source | Hydrogen |
| Fuel cell | Rated at 90 kW (120 horsepower) |
| Fueling time | 5 minutes |
| Driving range | 250-400 miles |
| Fueling infrastructure | Hydrogen fueling stations |
| Environmental impact | Zero tailpipe emissions, water vapor as exhaust |
| Cost | Higher acquisition cost than conventional cars |
| Leasing | Leasing packages often include fuel, service, and maintenance |
| Rebates and incentives | California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project offers a $4,500 rebate ($7,500 for income-qualified purchasers) |
| Models | Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, Hyundai Nexo SUV, Toyota Mirai, Honda CR-V e:FCEV |
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are electric cars
While hydrogen fuel cell cars are a type of electric car, there are some key differences between them and BEVs. One of the main differences is that HFCVs produce their own electricity, while BEVs get their electricity from an external power source, such as a wall outlet or charging station. This gives HFCVs the advantage of having a shorter refuelling time, typically around 5 minutes, compared to the several hours it can take to charge a BEV battery.
Another difference is that HFCVs do not have large, heavy batteries like BEVs. Instead, they use a small lithium-ion battery to store excess electrons from the fuel cell, which can provide extra power during acceleration. This makes HFCVs technically a type of series hybrid vehicle, and they are sometimes classified as fuel cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs).
HFCVs have some advantages over BEVs, such as longer driving ranges and shorter refuelling times. However, they are generally more expensive and have fewer models available for purchase. They also lack the widespread infrastructure for refuelling that BEVs have, with only about 1000 refueling stations globally as of 2023. Despite these challenges, some major car companies like Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, and Honda are investing in the development of HFCVs.
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They are powered by a fuel cell stack
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are powered by a fuel cell stack, an assembly of individual membrane electrodes that use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. This electricity is then directed into the electric motor and/or the battery, depending on the specific driving situation. The fuel cell stack is a crucial difference between hydrogen fuel cell cars and other electric vehicles, which are powered by a built-in battery.
In a hydrogen fuel cell car, the hydrogen comes from one or more tanks in the car, while the oxygen is drawn from the ambient air. These two elements react within the fuel cell through a process known as reverse electrolysis, producing electrical energy, heat, and water. The water exits through the exhaust as water vapour, with no emissions at all.
The electricity generated in the fuel cell can take two routes. It can flow to the electric motor and directly drive the vehicle, or it can charge a battery that acts as temporary storage until the energy is needed for driving. This "buffer" battery is significantly smaller and lighter than the battery of an all-electric car. It is constantly being recharged by the fuel cell and can also be recharged through regenerative braking, where the electric motor converts the car's kinetic energy back into electrical energy and feeds it into the buffer battery.
The amount of energy stored onboard a hydrogen fuel cell car is determined by the size of the hydrogen fuel tank. This is in contrast to an all-electric vehicle, where the amount of power and energy available are closely related to the battery's size. Hydrogen fuel cell cars can be refuelled at "hydrogen fuelling stations" in a process that takes a similar amount of time to refuelling a traditional car.
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Hydrogen fuel cell cars are eligible for rebates
The Alternative Fuel Refueling Property Credit provides a 30% tax credit for alternative fuel refueling properties, up to $100,000. This credit can be applied to multiple sites, benefiting those with qualified equipment at numerous locations. The Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit offers a 10-year incentive with a value of up to $3.00 per kilogram. Additionally, the Energy Credit extends a 30% fuel cell investment tax credit through 2024, followed by a transition to the technology-neutral Clean Energy Investment Credit in 2025.
The Advanced Energy Project Credit provides funding for manufacturing projects producing fuel cell electric vehicles and expands the tax credit to include projects aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20%. This credit is funded with $10 billion for eligible projects. The Carbon Capture and Sequestration Tax Credit enhances the credit rate for qualified facilities that capture and store carbon dioxide, with an extended deadline of January 1, 2033, and an increased credit amount.
These tax credits and incentives make hydrogen fuel cell cars more affordable and encourage their adoption, helping to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of clean energy.
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They can be refuelled in five minutes
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) are powered by an electric motor and are classified as e-cars. They are similar to battery-electric cars but differ in the way they store energy. HFCVs produce electricity themselves using a fuel-cell stack, while battery-electric cars rely on a built-in battery.
One of the key advantages of HFCVs is their quick refuelling time. HFCV drivers can refill their vehicles' carbon-fiber high-pressure tanks at "hydrogen fuelling stations" in a similar concept to traditional gas stations, with a typical refuelling time of around five minutes. This is comparable to the refuelling time of conventional diesel vehicles, which is approximately 10 minutes.
The fast refuelling process of HFCVs is made possible by the high-flow-rate hydrogen fuelling systems developed through research and technological advancements. These systems aim to achieve competitive refuelling times to make HFCVs more appealing to consumers.
In California, for example, hydrogen fuelling stations are integrated into existing gas stations, providing over 300 miles worth of hydrogen gas in as little as five minutes. This convenient and time-efficient refuelling process is a significant advantage for HFCV owners, eliminating the need for lengthy recharging stops.
The expansion of the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is crucial for the widespread adoption of HFCVs. While building a network of hydrogen refuelling stations is costly and complex, it is essential to making HFCVs a more viable option for consumers.
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Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe
On Earth, hydrogen is the third most abundant element on the surface, after oxygen and silicon. The Earth's atmosphere contains very little hydrogen gas due to its low density, which allows it to escape the pull of Earth's gravity. Most of the hydrogen found on Earth is in the form of chemical compounds such as water and hydrocarbons. Hydrogen plays a vital role in fusion reactions that power stars like our sun. These reactions produce heavier elements and release vast amounts of energy.
Hydrogen has a variety of uses, including in rocket fuel, welding, and the production of hydrochloric acid. In the food industry, it is used to convert oils into semi-solids for products like margarine. Hydrogen is also an essential component in rechargeable batteries used in modern appliances such as cell phones and laptops.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) utilize hydrogen as an energy carrier to power their electric motors. Unlike traditional electric cars, HFCVs do not rely on large, heavy batteries but instead generate electricity through a process that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce water and electricity. This technology offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional combustion engines, with the added benefit of shorter refuelling times.
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Frequently asked questions
A hydrogen fuel cell car is an electric car that uses hydrogen gas and oxygen to produce electricity, instead of relying on a large, heavy battery. The hydrogen gas is stored in an onboard tank and is converted into electricity by a fuel cell stack. This electricity then powers the car's electric motor.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are quiet, energy-efficient, and produce no emissions. They can also be refuelled quickly, in a similar way to standard vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cell cars are also eligible for various incentives and rebates in some regions.
Some examples of hydrogen fuel cell cars include the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the Hyundai Nexo SUV, and the Toyota Mirai.
