Mercedes Mullins
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) are cars that use hydrogen as fuel. They are powered by an electric motor and are therefore classified as e-cars. Hydrogen cars produce electricity themselves, which is done by converting the chemical energy of hydrogen to mechanical energy. This is done through a fuel cell, which turns the chemical energy of hydrogen into electricity to drive an electric motor. While hydrogen cars are an exciting prospect, they are not widely available to the public. As of 2021, there were two hydrogen cars publicly available in select markets: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen vehicle availability | As of 2024, there were 53 publicly accessible hydrogen refueling stations in the US, 52 of which were located in California. |
| Hydrogen vehicle models | Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, Honda CR-V e:FCEV, Honda Clarity Fuel Cell |
| Hydrogen vehicle sales | As of mid-2022, there were 17,000 or fewer hydrogen-powered vehicles in the US. In 2023, 3,143 hydrogen cars were sold in the US. |
| Hydrogen vehicle refueling time | Hydrogen vehicles can be refueled in approximately five minutes, providing a range of 300 to 400 miles. |
| Hydrogen vehicle advantages | Zero-emission vehicles, smooth and quiet to drive, long-range on a single refueling, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, similar refueling process to standard petrol or diesel cars. |
| Hydrogen vehicle disadvantages | Limited hydrogen fuel availability, high prices, lack of fueling infrastructure, energy-conversion inefficiencies, high energy inputs in production and transportation, low energy content per unit volume, production and compression challenges, high capital cost burden, safety concerns due to hydrogen's flammability. |
| Hydrogen vehicle future | Manufacturers have not given up on hydrogen cars, with BMW announcing the launch of its first hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric car in 2028. However, the falling cost of batteries and the existing electrical grid infrastructure favor battery-electric cars. |
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen cars are here, but they're rare
Hydrogen cars are indeed a reality, but they are few and far between. As of 2021, there were two models of hydrogen cars publicly available in select markets: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo. The Honda Clarity was also produced from 2016 to 2021, but is no longer in production. In the UK, the Mirai and Nexo are also the only two hydrogen cars available to buy.
Hydrogen cars are powered by an electric motor and are therefore classified as e-cars. They are also known as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). FCEVs have some of the same positive features as battery-electric cars: they are smooth, quiet, and peaceful to drive, and they emit no carbon dioxide or other harmful exhaust from their tailpipes, only water vapour. They also lack the charging time problem that EVs have; it takes just five minutes or so to refuel them for another 300- to 400-mile stint.
However, there are several drawbacks to hydrogen cars that have prevented them from gaining widespread adoption. One of the main challenges is the availability of hydrogen fuel. For example, in California, which is the only state in the US with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations, there are fewer than 60 stations. This lack of fuelling infrastructure, along with energy-conversion inefficiencies and the price of the fuel, makes hydrogen cars altogether costlier than their battery-electric counterparts.
Another issue is that hydrogen is difficult to store and transport due to the small size of its molecules. Additionally, if hydrogen is produced from natural gas, it can have high carbon emissions. Leaked hydrogen is also an invisible, highly flammable gas with a global warming effect 11.6 times stronger than CO2.
Despite these challenges, some remain optimistic about the future of hydrogen cars. Manufacturers such as BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Stellantis, and Riversimple are experimenting with hydrogen, and BMW has announced the 2028 launch of its first hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric car, the iX5 Hydrogen. Hydrogen cars may also be more advantageous for certain applications, such as medium- and heavy-duty trucks and aviation, where fuelling stations are more dispersed.
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Hydrogen cars have environmental benefits
Hydrogen cars have emerged as a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, offering several environmental benefits. Firstly, they are zero-emission vehicles, emitting only water vapour and warm air from their tailpipes, in contrast to the harmful exhaust produced by gasoline cars. This makes hydrogen cars much cleaner than gasoline or methane-powered vehicles.
Secondly, hydrogen cars have a long range on a single refuelling, typically over 300 miles, which meets consumer needs and reduces the frequency of refuelling stops. This is a significant advantage over electric vehicles, which often have shorter ranges and longer charging times. The quick refuelling process for hydrogen cars, taking just around five minutes, further adds to their convenience and efficiency.
Additionally, hydrogen can be produced domestically from a variety of resources, including natural gas, coal, solar energy, wind, and biomass. This reduces reliance on imported petroleum and strengthens national energy security. Hydrogen cars also contribute to the diversification of transportation energy options, making the system more resilient.
However, it is important to note that the production of hydrogen from natural gas can result in high carbon emissions, and there are challenges associated with the storage and transportation of hydrogen due to its small molecule size and low volumetric energy density. Nevertheless, with advancements in technology and infrastructure, hydrogen cars can play a significant role in the pursuit of more sustainable transportation, alongside electric vehicles.
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Hydrogen cars are expensive
The limited availability of hydrogen fuel further adds to the expense of owning a hydrogen car. The lack of a widespread network of consumer hydrogen stations results in higher fuel prices. As of 2024, there were only 53 publicly accessible hydrogen refueling stations in the US, with 52 located in California. This scarcity of refueling options can lead to higher prices for hydrogen fuel, impacting the overall cost of ownership for hydrogen vehicles.
The cost of hydrogen fuel itself is also a significant factor in the expense of hydrogen cars. Hydrogen fuel is known to be expensive, with a full tank for the Honda Clarity FCV costing around $196.56. The high production costs and limited competition in the hydrogen fuel market contribute to these elevated prices. Additionally, the process of producing hydrogen fuel can have high carbon emissions if it is derived from natural gas, further impacting the environmental credentials of hydrogen vehicles.
The upfront cost of purchasing a hydrogen car is also high. For example, a hydrogen car with 150 horsepower can have a price tag of around $60,000. This high price, combined with the expensive fuel and limited refueling infrastructure, makes hydrogen cars a challenging proposition for consumers.
While hydrogen cars offer certain advantages, such as long ranges and smooth driving experiences, their high costs, both upfront and in terms of fuel, have hindered their widespread adoption. The complexity of the fuel cell system and the limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure contribute significantly to the expense of these vehicles. As a result, hydrogen cars remain a niche option for consumers, primarily appealing to those with the financial means to afford them and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
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Hydrogen cars are difficult to refuel
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) are difficult to refuel due to the limited availability of hydrogen fuel and the small network of refuelling stations. As of 2024, there were only 53 publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling stations in the US, with 52 of them located in California. This is in contrast to the over 100,000 gasoline fuel stations and over 65,000 electric charging stations in the country.
The small number of hydrogen refuelling stations, combined with the technical challenges of producing and storing hydrogen, can lead to unreliable supply and higher prices for hydrogen fuel. For example, in 2019, an explosion in the San Francisco Bay Area cut off the supply to nine out of the 11 hydrogen stations in the region, causing significant disruption for drivers.
Furthermore, hydrogen fuel is not available for at-home refuelling, unlike gasoline and electric vehicles. This means that HFCV drivers are dependent on finding a functioning refuelling station with hydrogen fuel available, which can be challenging and time-consuming.
The process of refuelling a hydrogen car can be impacted by technical issues. Hydrogen is typically stored at high pressures and must be kept at extremely low temperatures of around -40°C. During heatwaves or periods of high usage, the compression system may struggle to keep up with demand, resulting in longer wait times at the pump.
While hydrogen refuelling stations are expanding, they are primarily located in core market areas and strategic locations. This can result in limited accessibility for those outside these areas, further contributing to the difficulty of refuelling hydrogen cars.
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Hydrogen cars are the future for some manufacturers
Hydrogen cars are electric vehicles that use hydrogen fuel cells to power their electric motors. They emit only water vapour and are therefore a zero-emissions vehicle. Hydrogen cars have the advantage of being able to refuel in just a few minutes, whereas electric vehicles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours to charge.
However, hydrogen cars have faced several challenges that have slowed their adoption. One of the main issues is the lack of fuelling infrastructure. As of 2024, there were only 53 publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling stations in the US, with 52 of those in California. This lack of accessibility has led to lawsuits against car companies like Toyota, which sold the hydrogen-powered Mirai.
The high cost of hydrogen cars compared to electric vehicles is another barrier. Hydrogen cars are more expensive due to the lack of fuelling infrastructure, energy-conversion inefficiencies, and the price of hydrogen fuel. Additionally, producing hydrogen from natural gas results in high carbon emissions, which can negate the environmental benefits of hydrogen cars.
Despite these challenges, some manufacturers remain optimistic about the future of hydrogen cars. BMW, for example, has described hydrogen cars as the "missing piece" in sustainable mobility and plans to release a hydrogen-powered car in 2028. Toyota, while pivoting towards hydrogen-fuelled lorries, buses, and vans, still believes in the potential of hydrogen cars for decarbonising transport. Other manufacturers experimenting with hydrogen include Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Stellantis, and Riversimple.
The future of hydrogen cars may depend on the availability of green hydrogen, which some governments are investing in. Hydrogen has advantages for long-haul trucks and other applications where fuelling stations are more dispersed. With further development and infrastructure expansion, hydrogen cars could still play a significant role in the transition to sustainable transport.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hydrogen-fuelled cars exist. As of 2021, there were two models of hydrogen cars publicly available in select markets: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo.
Hydrogen-fuelled cars have several benefits. They are emission-free, producing only water vapour, and have a long range on a single refuelling. They also have a shorter refuelling time compared to electric vehicles, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours to charge.
Hydrogen-fuelled cars have some drawbacks, including the availability of hydrogen fuel, high carbon emissions when hydrogen is produced from natural gas, high energy inputs in production and transportation, and the cost of fuel.
Yes, hydrogen-fuelled cars are currently more expensive than electric cars due to lack of fuelling infrastructure, energy-conversion inefficiencies, and the price of hydrogen fuel.
Several car manufacturers, including BMW, remain optimistic about the potential of hydrogen-fuelled cars and are investing in research and infrastructure. BMW has announced the launch of its first hydrogen-powered fuel-cell electric car in 2028. However, the future of hydrogen-fuelled cars may depend on the availability of green hydrogen and the development of infrastructure.
