Rajan Wilcox
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are a type of electric vehicle that uses hydrogen to generate electricity and power the car's electric motor. Unlike conventional internal combustion engines, fuel cell cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, only emitting water vapour. They also have faster refuelling times compared to electric vehicles, taking around five minutes to refuel for a range of 300-400 miles. However, they are much rarer than electric vehicles, with only about 17,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles on US roads as of 2024, all of which are in California. In terms of horsepower, the Toyota Mirai, the best-selling hydrogen car in the US, has a fuel cell rated at 120 horsepower.
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What You'll Learn
- The Toyota Mirai has 120 horsepower
- Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, Hyundai Nexo SUV, and Toyota Mirai are some hydrogen-powered cars
- Hydrogen fuel cell cars are more expensive than conventional cars
- Hydrogen fuel cell cars are quiet and energy-efficient
- Hydrogen fuel cell cars are eligible for rebates in California
The Toyota Mirai has 120 horsepower
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell car with 120 horsepower. It is one of the few hydrogen-fuelled vehicles available in the United States, and the best-selling hydrogen car in the country. The Mirai has been on sale since 2015 and is now in its second generation.
The Mirai's fuel cell is rated at 90 kW, or 120 horsepower. However, this is not enough to accelerate onto a fast-moving highway, so Toyota has included a high-voltage low-capacity battery, similar to those used in hybrid vehicles. This provides extra power for short periods of intense acceleration and is recharged by excess fuel-cell output or regenerative braking.
The Mirai's hydrogen fuel tanks have been rigorously tested and meet Global Technical Regulation No. 13. The hydrogen sensors can detect leaks or collisions, and the valves will automatically close to prevent further escape. The Mirai's fuel cell system combines hydrogen and oxygen from the outside air to generate power, with water vapour as the only by-product.
The Mirai's electric motor was moved to the rear of the car in 2021, making it rear-wheel drive. This new chassis delivers surprising athleticism while maintaining a refined and smooth ride. The Mirai takes 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is slower than other EVs. The car has an impressive range, with the XLE model achieving 402 miles per fill-up of hydrogen, and the Limited model achieving 357 miles.
The Mirai is distinct from other electric vehicles on the market due to its unique fuel-cell electric powertrain. It does not use high-capacity batteries or charging stations, and instead, refuels at a pump, like a gasoline station. Refuelling is fast and simple, taking between 3 and 5 minutes.
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Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, Hyundai Nexo SUV, and Toyota Mirai are some hydrogen-powered cars
The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is a very different type of Honda, but it works well as a family sedan while showcasing cutting-edge propulsion technology. The car is offered as either a plug-in hybrid or a hydrogen fuel cell. The plug-in hybrid offers up to 48 miles of electric-only driving, which should be enough to cover many buyers' daily commutes without needing to use gasoline. The hydrogen fuel cell model has a combined EPA rating of 68 MPGe, and its onboard fuel cell holds enough hydrogen for up to 360 miles of driving. The car takes three to five minutes to refuel and has a fuel card provided by Honda that is good for $15,000 worth of hydrogen. The fuel-cell model also has a 12-speaker audio system, while the plug-in model makes do with an eight-speaker setup.
The Hyundai Nexo is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) that uses compressed hydrogen to create power in a fuel-cell stack. The Nexo's 95-kW fuel-cell stack and 40-kWh battery pack power an electric motor rated at 161 horsepower with 291 pound-feet of torque. With a full load of 14 pounds (41 gallons) of compressed hydrogen across three tanks, the Nexo can go an estimated 380 miles. The benefit of an FCEV over a BEV is the refill time, taking around five minutes to top off hydrogen tanks, comparable to refilling a car with gasoline or diesel.
The Toyota Mirai is the best-selling hydrogen car in the U.S. and uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell and hybrid technology. The fuel cell in the Mirai is rated at 90 kW (120 horsepower), but Toyota adds in a high-voltage low-capacity battery to supply supplemental power for short periods of intense acceleration. The Mirai has a total range of 300 miles on a full tank and takes between three and five minutes to refuel. In August 2021, the second-generation Mirai set a world record of traveling 1,360 km (845 mi) with a full tank of 5.65 kg (12.5 lb) of hydrogen.
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Hydrogen fuel cell cars are more expensive than conventional cars
The fuel cell in the Toyota Mirai, the best-selling hydrogen car in the US, is rated at 120 horsepower. However, this is not enough to accelerate onto a fast-moving highway, so Toyota adds a high-voltage, low-capacity battery to supply supplemental power.
The cost of hydrogen fuel is also a significant factor in the high price of hydrogen fuel cell cars. In September 2023, hydrogen cost $36 per kilogram at public charging stations in California, making it 14 times more expensive per mile for a Mirai than a Tesla Model 3. The high cost of hydrogen is due to the large amount of energy required to isolate it from natural compounds, package it by compression or liquefaction, and transfer it to the user. Additionally, the process of converting hydrogen into electricity within fuel cells results in energy loss, with only about 25% of the initial energy available for practical use.
The limited availability of hydrogen fuel is another challenge for hydrogen fuel cell cars. Despite plans for California to have 100 hydrogen stations, the current number is less than 60, and this number is not growing. The lack of infrastructure for hydrogen fueling stations is a significant obstacle to the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell cars.
While the lifetime cost of ownership for fuel cell cars has decreased in recent years, it remains higher than that of comparable gasoline vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs). The higher cost of hydrogen fuel cell cars is a significant factor in their limited sales and availability. For example, the two mainstream hydrogen cars on sale in the US, the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo, start at around $50,000 and $60,000, respectively. In contrast, major car companies are rapidly electrifying their lineups, and a growing number of EVs are becoming more affordable due to the falling prices of lithium-ion batteries.
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Hydrogen fuel cell cars are quiet and energy-efficient
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are electric vehicles that use hydrogen gas to generate electricity and power the car's electric motor. They are known for their quiet and smooth driving experience, with no harmful tailpipe emissions—just water vapour.
The Toyota Mirai, the best-selling hydrogen car in the US, has a fuel cell rated at 90 kW (120 horsepower). However, this is not sufficient for rapid acceleration, so Toyota includes a supplementary battery, similar to those found in hybrid vehicles. This battery is recharged through regenerative braking and provides extra power during acceleration.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars have the advantage of being quick to refuel, taking around five minutes to fill up for a range of 300 to 400 miles. This is comparable to the refuelling time of a standard car. In contrast, electric vehicles can take much longer to charge, making hydrogen fuel cell cars more convenient for long-distance travel.
However, hydrogen fuel cell cars also have some drawbacks. One significant challenge is the limited availability of hydrogen fuel. For example, California, the only US state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations, was expected to have 100 stations by 2022 but currently has fewer than 60. The high cost of hydrogen fuel is another disadvantage, with hydrogen selling for considerably more than gasoline.
The environmental impact of hydrogen fuel cell cars is also a subject of debate. Hydrogen fuel cells are only environmentally beneficial when the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy. If hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels, the process can have a negative impact on the climate. Additionally, the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells has been questioned, with some studies indicating that they consume more electricity per mile than electric vehicles and have a less favourable carbon footprint.
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Hydrogen fuel cell cars are eligible for rebates in California
Drive Clean! Rebate Program
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) administers the Drive Clean! Rebate Program, which offers rebates of up to $3,000 for the purchase or lease of eligible new vehicles, including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. These rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis for residents and businesses located in the SJVAPCD.
Clean Vehicle Rebate Project
California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project offers a $4,500 rebate for the purchase of a hydrogen fuel cell car, with an increased rebate of $7,500 for income-qualified purchasers. This program also provides other benefits, such as the Clean Air Vehicle decal, which allows drivers to use carpool lanes.
Zero Emission Assurance Project (ZAP)
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) established the Zero Emission Assurance Project (ZAP) to offer rebates for the replacement of fuel cells or other related components for eligible used ZEVs and near-ZEVs. A ZEV is a vehicle that produces zero emissions, while a near-ZEV incorporates technologies that significantly reduce emissions.
Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles (EnergIIZE)
Funded by the California Energy Commission, EnergIIZE provides grants for the purchase and installation of ZEV infrastructure, including hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Eligible applicants include commercial fleets, station owners, and ZEV infrastructure vendors and installers.
County-Specific Rebate Programs
Several counties in California offer their own rebate programs for the purchase or lease of ZEVs or partial-ZEVs. For example, the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (EDC AQMD) provides rebates of up to $599, and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD) offers grants to offset the costs of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.
While hydrogen fuel cell cars are eligible for these rebates, it's important to note that they are still relatively rare compared to electric vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cell technology faces challenges, such as the availability of hydrogen fuel and the energy-intensive process of producing and storing hydrogen. However, they offer certain advantages, including smooth and quiet operation, zero tailpipe emissions, and shorter refuelling times compared to the charging times of electric vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
The horsepower of a fuel cell car varies depending on the model. The Toyota Mirai, the best-selling hydrogen car in the U.S., has 120 horsepower.
A fuel cell car, also known as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, is a type of electric car that uses hydrogen to generate electricity and power the car.
Fuel cell cars have several advantages, including zero tailpipe emissions, smooth and quiet driving, and a shorter refuelling time compared to electric vehicles. They also have a similar range to conventional cars and do not depend on external temperatures, making them ideal for cold weather.
One of the main disadvantages of fuel cell cars is the limited availability of hydrogen fuel stations. Additionally, the cost of hydrogen fuel is currently higher than gasoline, and the production of hydrogen can have an adverse impact on the climate if fossil fuels are used.
Several car companies have offered fuel cell cars, including Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai. The Toyota Mirai, Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, and Hyundai Nexo SUV are some of the models that have been available in the market.
