Rajan Wilcox
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) are powered by hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe. HFCVs use an electric motor, just like battery-electric cars, but are fuelled by a fuel-cell stack that combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity. They are zero-emission vehicles, emitting only water vapour. While electric vehicles are currently more common, with almost three million sold in the US, there are still some hydrogen-powered vehicles on the roads—17,000 in the US as of mid-2022, all in California, the only state with a network of hydrogen fuelling stations.
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) are a type of electric car
HFCVs have some of the same positive features as battery-electric cars. They are smooth, quiet, and peaceful to drive. They also lack the charging time problem that EVs have. Refuelling an HFCV takes just five minutes for another 300- to 400-mile stint. However, the availability of hydrogen fuel is a challenge, as there are fewer than 60 hydrogen stations in California, for example, despite plans a decade ago to have 100.
In an HFCV, hydrogen gas is stored in carbon-fibre reinforced tanks. The hydrogen then passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen from the air, producing electricity to power the car. This electricity then powers the car's electric motor. The byproduct of this reaction is water vapour, which is emitted through the exhaust.
HFCVs have the same high-voltage battery packs as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric car. However, they also have one or more armoured, carbon-fibre tanks to hold pure hydrogen under extremely high pressure. While HFCVs are widely considered as safe as any other car, the state of California has implemented rules to ensure any escaping hydrogen doesn't run the risk of an explosion.
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HFCVs are more expensive than conventional cars
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVs) are more expensive than conventional cars. In the UK, hydrogen fuel costs between £10 and £15 per kg, while in California, the price is $36/kg. This makes refuelling an HFCV costly, with a full 5-kg refill in a Mirai costing up to $180. The high price of hydrogen fuel is due to the challenges in creating a reliable fuelling network, which has proven to be more difficult and expensive than expected.
The acquisition cost of an HFCV is also higher than that of a conventional car. For example, the Honda Clarity, an HFCV, is priced at around $59,505. This high cost can be attributed to several factors, including the early stage of industrialization in production, the demand for platinum as a catalyst in electricity generation, and low production volumes. However, it is important to note that leasing packages for HFCVs often include fuel, service, and maintenance, which can make the total cost of ownership comparable to conventional cars.
The availability of hydrogen fuel is another challenge for HFCV owners. In California, which has the most extensive network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations in the US, there are fewer than 60 stations, and not all of them are operational at all times. This limited infrastructure impacts the practicality of HFCVs for long-distance travel or areas without convenient access to fuelling stations.
Despite the higher cost of HFCVs, there are incentives available to offset the purchase price. In California, for example, HFCV buyers can receive a $4,500 rebate ($7,500 for income-qualified purchasers) from the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. Additionally, HFCVs are eligible for the Clean Air Vehicle decal, which allows them to drive solo in carpool lanes. These incentives aim to support the adoption of clean transportation technologies, particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities.
While HFCVs are currently more expensive than conventional cars, it is expected that costs will decrease as more vehicles enter the market and production processes improve. Increased production volumes will drive down costs, and the expansion of fuelling infrastructure will make hydrogen fuel more accessible and reliable.
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Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) are powered by the most abundant element in the universe: hydrogen. Hydrogen is the simplest element in the universe, with just one proton and one electron. It is the only element without a neutron. Hydrogen atoms are just protons, and protons are the only stable composite particles that can be formed from quarks. Once the early universe is cold enough for quarks to get into bound states, there are lots of protons, i.e., lots of hydrogen.
Hydrogen is also highly flammable and reacts with oxygen to produce an oxyhydrogen reaction. In a fuel cell, hydrogen reacts electrochemically to produce electricity to power the car. Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles emit only water vapour and are much rarer than electric vehicles. As of mid-2022, there were 17,000 or fewer hydrogen-powered vehicles on US roads, all of them in California, the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations.
The abundance of the chemical elements is a measure of the occurrences of the chemical elements relative to all other elements in a given environment. Abundance is measured in one of three ways: by mass fraction, by mole fraction, or by volume fraction. Volume fraction is a common abundance measure in mixed gases such as planetary atmospheres. The abundance of chemical elements in the universe is dominated by the large amounts of hydrogen and helium produced during Big Bang nucleosynthesis. All other elements make up only about 2% of the universe and were largely produced by supernova nucleosynthesis.
Hydrogen and helium are the only elements that were produced in significant quantities in the Big Bang. They are the most abundant elements in the universe, and together they make up 99.9% of known matter in the universe. There is about ten times more hydrogen than helium in the universe, and oxygen, the third most common element, is about 1,000 times less abundant than hydrogen. The lightest 16 elements, from hydrogen to sulfur, comprise 99.9% of ordinary matter in the universe.
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Hydrogen fuel cells are safer than traditional fuel sources
As of mid-2022, there are 17,000 or fewer hydrogen-powered vehicles on US roads, all of which are in California, the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations. Hydrogen fuel cells are a clean and efficient alternative to conventional power sources. They are safer than traditional fuel sources for several reasons. Firstly, hydrogen fuel cells emit only water vapour and heat, offering a zero-emission power source that contrasts with the pollutants from fossil fuel combustion. This means that hydrogen fuel cells significantly reduce emissions, virtually eliminating nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx), contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
Secondly, hydrogen fuel cells can operate independently of the grid, making them invaluable in regions where conventional power infrastructures are compromised, such as during natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. In such situations, hydrogen fuel cells can provide reliable and clean energy to essential services like hospitals, emergency response units, and water treatment facilities, potentially saving lives and facilitating quicker recovery efforts. This was demonstrated in Japan following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, where the adoption of hydrogen technology accelerated to build a more resilient and renewable energy infrastructure.
Thirdly, the decentralisation aspect of hydrogen fuel cells offers a pathway to energy independence for rural and remote areas, which are often underserved by traditional power grids. Hydrogen fuel cells can serve as a standalone power solution, harnessing locally available renewable resources like solar and wind to produce hydrogen. This reduces reliance on fossil fuel imports and supports sustainable development by tapping into clean energy sources. For example, remote communities in Alaska and other parts of the world have started exploring hydrogen fuel cells as a viable solution for their energy needs.
Finally, hydrogen fuel cells have undergone numerous crash tests that have validated their safety. Hydrogen, which is stored in gaseous form in thick-walled tanks, has been shown to remain stable and safe during these tests, with no leaks occurring. Additionally, hydrogen technology is not new and is tried and tested in various industries, including refineries, where it is used as a process gas when processing crude oil. Pipelines and storage facilities for hydrogen have also been in safe operation for decades.
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Hydrogen fuel cells are used in transport other than cars
HFCV technology can be applied to various types of transport, including commercial vehicles, trains, and aircraft. For example, BMW offers the BMW iX5 Hydrogen car and is working with hydrogen producers and filling station operators to expand the infrastructure for hydrogen fuelling. Similarly, Toyota offers the Mirai, the best-selling hydrogen car in the US.
In addition to cars, hydrogen fuel cells are used in commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles, such as trucks and vans, can benefit from the long-range and quick refuelling of hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells can also be used in trains, providing a zero-emission alternative to diesel or electric trains.
Aircraft are another form of transport that can utilise hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells can power the electric motors in aircraft, reducing emissions and noise levels. Hydrogen technology has been tried and tested in various industries, including refineries, which use hydrogen as a process gas when processing crude oil.
While hydrogen fuel cells offer advantages in transport, there are also challenges to their widespread adoption. One significant challenge is the availability and cost of hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is still being developed, and the cost of hydrogen fuel is currently higher than gasoline or diesel. However, as production volumes increase and infrastructure expands, it is expected that the price of hydrogen will become more competitive.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, 3,143 hydrogen cars were sold in the US. By contrast, almost three million EVs have been sold in the US.
Yes, hydrogen vehicles meet the same high safety standards as all other vehicles. The hydrogen in the vehicle is stored in gaseous form in thick-walled tanks, which are particularly safe. Numerous crash tests have validated the safety of this design.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are quiet, very energy efficient, produce no emissions, and have a similar range and performance to gasoline cars. They also lack the charging time problem that EVs have and can be refuelled in just five minutes for another 300-400 miles.
