Katerina Swanson
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are an increasingly popular option for eco-conscious consumers. One of the few hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles sold in the U.S. is the Toyota Mirai, which comes with \$15,000 worth of free hydrogen fuel. However, once this runs out, refuelling the Mirai's 5.6 kg tank costs upwards of \$200, making hydrogen a fairly costly fuel option. This is because of the intricate production and demanding storage requirements of hydrogen. However, it is important to note that hydrogen fuel prices are expected to decrease in the future, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer significant environmental benefits, including zero tailpipe emissions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of refuelling a Toyota Mirai | $201.60 for a 5.6 kg tank |
| Cost per mile | $0.50 |
| Average fuel economy of FCVs | 60 miles per kg |
| Average fuel economy of gasoline cars | 30 mpg |
| Average fuel economy of midsize gasoline hybrids | 42 mpg |
| Hydrogen fuel retail price in California in 2022 | $21.28/kg |
| Hydrogen fuel retail price in Germany | €13.85 ($14.78) per kg |
| Hydrogen fuel retail price in California in April 2021 | $13.14 per kg |
| Hydrogen fuel retail price in California in July 2022 | $15.97/kg |
| Hydrogen fuel retail price in California in 2023 | $36/kg |
| Number of hydrogen stations in the US | 54 |
| Number of hydrogen stations in California | 53 |
| Number of hydrogen stations in Hawaii | 1 |
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What You'll Learn
- Hydrogen fuel is costly due to intricate production and demanding storage
- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit only water vapour, making them zero-emission
- Hydrogen refuelling is costly, but may offer savings in the long run
- Hydrogen fuel stations are mostly in California, with a few in Hawaii
- Hydrogen fuel prices are projected to be lower in the future
Hydrogen fuel is costly due to intricate production and demanding storage
Hydrogen fuel is an increasingly popular energy source for cars, with Toyota's Mirai being one of the few hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles sold in the US. However, the cost of hydrogen fuel is significantly higher than that of traditional fossil fuels or electricity. For example, refuelling the Mirai's 5.6 kg tank costs around $200, while fully charging a 60 kWh Tesla Model 3 in California costs only $11.94. This price discrepancy has led to frustration among some Mirai drivers, who feel that they are being "scammed" by high hydrogen fuel prices.
There are several reasons why hydrogen fuel is more expensive than other energy sources. Firstly, the production of hydrogen fuel is intricate and costly. The key methods of hydrogen extraction, such as electrolysis and steam reforming, are expensive processes. Electrolysis, in particular, is more expensive and is therefore usually reserved for when high-purity hydrogen is required. Additionally, the liquefaction of hydrogen for transport requires a significant amount of electricity, further increasing the overall cost.
The storage and transportation of hydrogen fuel also contribute to its high cost. Hydrogen fuel cells require specialised storage and transportation methods, such as pipelines or liquid hydrogen trailers, which can be expensive to operate and maintain. The distance travelled during transportation also impacts the overall cost, as longer distances between production and consumption centres result in higher costs.
The demand for hydrogen in various industries also affects its price. Hydrogen has a high demand in the chemical and manufacturing industries, leading to competitive selling and pricing. Additionally, the development of hydrogen infrastructure, including the construction of hydrogen fuelling stations, can be costly and influence the price of hydrogen fuel for consumers.
Despite the high cost of hydrogen fuel, it offers several advantages that are gaining attention, particularly in the automotive industry. Hydrogen fuel cells emit only water vapour, making them zero-emission vehicles that contribute to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, hydrogen can be produced from locally available primary energy sources, providing a diverse and flexible automotive fuel option. However, the high cost of hydrogen fuel production and storage remains a challenge that needs to be addressed to make it a more accessible and widely adopted energy source.
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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit only water vapour, making them zero-emission
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) are considered zero-emission vehicles because they emit only water vapour. The electricity generated in the fuel cell flows to the electric motor and directly drives the vehicle. The only byproducts of this process are electrical energy, heat, and water vapour, which exits through the exhaust. This means that hydrogen cars produce no harmful tailpipe emissions, making them environmentally friendly.
The main challenge for HFCVs is the availability of hydrogen fuel. Currently, California is the only U.S. state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations, and as of mid-2022, there were 17,000 or fewer hydrogen-powered vehicles on U.S. roads. The high cost of hydrogen fuel is also a barrier for drivers, with a kilogram of hydrogen costing around $36 in California, resulting in high refuelling costs for vehicles like the Toyota Mirai.
However, hydrogen fuel cell technology is still in its early stages and has the potential to become more widely adopted in the future. BMW, for example, believes that hydrogen can make an important contribution to sustainable mobility if the appropriate infrastructure and pricing are in place. The Hydrogen Council, a global initiative of leading energy, transportation, and industrial companies, also sees hydrogen as a clean energy source for vehicles, heat, electricity, and industry.
In Australia, several governments have announced plans for hydrogen fuel cell vehicle projects, including the construction of electrolysers and hydrogen refuelling stations. This indicates a growing interest in hydrogen fuel cell technology and a recognition of its potential benefits, including fast refuelling, long range, and zero emissions.
While HFCVs currently face challenges with fuelling infrastructure and high fuel costs, they offer a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality and public health.
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Hydrogen refuelling is costly, but may offer savings in the long run
Hydrogen refuelling can be costly, but it may offer savings in the long run. The cost of refuelling a hydrogen car depends on several factors, including the vehicle's make and model, the price of hydrogen fuel, and the availability of refuelling stations.
One of the few hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles sold in the US is the Toyota Mirai, which is currently offered with \$15,000 worth of free hydrogen fuel for six years. After this incentive runs out, refuelling the Mirai's 5.6 kg tank costs around $201.60, based on a price of \$36 per kg. This is a significant expense, especially when compared to the cost of charging an electric vehicle. For example, fully charging a 60kWh Tesla Model 3 in California costs only $11.94, making it almost 14 times cheaper to run than the Mirai.
However, there are several reasons why hydrogen refuelling may offer savings in the long run. Firstly, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions, which means improved air quality and public health. This eco-conscious benefit grants access to the HOV carpool sticker. Additionally, hydrogen vehicles only emit water vapour, which does not contribute to air pollution. Secondly, hydrogen refuelling is quick, taking just five minutes, which is significantly faster than charging an electric vehicle. Finally, while the current cost of hydrogen fuel is high, there are projections that prices will decrease in the future. For example, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Washington state's Department of Ecology (DoE) predict that hydrogen fuel retail prices will be lower in the future than they are today.
Despite these potential long-term savings, there are challenges associated with hydrogen refuelling. Firstly, the availability of hydrogen refuelling stations is limited. In the US, the majority of hydrogen stations are in California, with only one station in Hawaii. This lack of infrastructure can make long-distance travel with a hydrogen vehicle difficult. Additionally, the high cost of hydrogen fuel has led to concerns about the affordability of running a hydrogen car, even with the initial incentives offered by manufacturers.
Overall, while hydrogen refuelling may offer savings in the long run due to its environmental benefits, quick refuelling times, and projected decreases in fuel prices, it is currently a costly option that requires further infrastructure development to become a more viable alternative to traditional fuel and electric vehicles.
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Hydrogen fuel stations are mostly in California, with a few in Hawaii
Hydrogen fuel stations are mostly found in California, with a few in Hawaii. California's True Zero, the state's largest H2 fuel retailer, operates 37 of the 53 hydrogen filling stations in the state. As of 2023, True Zero charges $36 for a kilogram of hydrogen fuel.
California is the only state in the US with publicly accessible hydrogen filling stations. The state has seen sales of hydrogen fuel-cell cars reach record levels, with 17,284 fuel-cell cars sold or leased to date. However, hydrogen fuel-cell cars are a niche market, and sales of hydrogen-powered cars lag behind battery-electric cars.
The high cost of hydrogen fuel is a significant factor in the low uptake of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Filling a Toyota Mirai's 5.6 kg tank costs around $201.60, which is approximately $0.50 per mile. In comparison, fully charging a 60 kWh Tesla Model 3 in California costs $11.94, resulting in a cost of $0.036 per mile, almost 14 times cheaper than the Mirai.
The high cost of hydrogen fuel has been attributed to the intricate production and demanding storage requirements of hydrogen. Additionally, the limited number of hydrogen fuel stations can make owning a hydrogen-powered vehicle impractical for some consumers. For example, one user on Reddit mentioned that they had three hydrogen fuel stations near their area but were hesitant to purchase a hydrogen car because they drive around 80 miles per day for work.
Despite the challenges, hydrogen fuel has several advantages. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit only water vapour, resulting in zero emissions and improved air quality. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cells can be refuelled in just five minutes, significantly faster than conventional EVs.
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Hydrogen fuel prices are projected to be lower in the future
However, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Washington state's Department of Ecology (DoE) have indicated that hydrogen fuel prices will be lower in the future. This is based on research and future projections, which go against historical trends of similar gaseous fuels.
The high cost of hydrogen fuel is due to its intricate production and storage requirements. Hydrogen advocates argue that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have a high fuel economy, and that future hydrogen fuel costs will be lower due to higher volumes and greater economies of scale. Scaling up supply chains and increasing production can drive down costs, and the declining cost of renewable electricity, such as solar PV and wind, is making electrolytic hydrogen a more attractive option.
Additionally, governmental grants and interventions can help to lower prices. For example, California's Energy Commission (CEC) grants have historically kept retail hydrogen prices lower than market conditions. Assembly Bill 8 has also directed the Commission to allocate up to $20 million annually for the development of hydrogen refueling stations.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of fueling a hydrogen car depends on several factors, including the car's fuel efficiency, the price of hydrogen fuel, and the distance traveled. For example, the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, has a fuel efficiency of 402 miles per tank, and its 5.6 kg tank costs around $201.60 to refuel at $36 per kg.
Hydrogen fuel is more expensive than gasoline and electricity due to its intricate production and demanding storage requirements. Additionally, the cost of hydrogen fuel can vary based on geographical location and the availability of hydrogen fueling stations.
Yes, some manufacturers, like Toyota, offer incentives for buyers of hydrogen cars. For example, Toyota provides buyers of the Mirai with free hydrogen fuel worth $15,000, paid via a fuel card.
