Katerina Swanson
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) were once touted as the future of sustainable transport. They are powered by a fuel-cell stack that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, emitting only water vapour and heat. However, despite their initial promise, hydrogen fuel cell cars have not yet delivered on expectations. The main challenge is the lack of infrastructure for distributing clean hydrogen, which is highly flammable and must be stored under pressure. This, coupled with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), has led to hydrogen cars largely fading from public conversation. Nevertheless, some car manufacturers remain invested in hydrogen fuel cell technology, and it may yet have a role to play in certain applications, such as long-haul trucks and aviation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (HFCV) | Uses the same kind of electric motor to turn the wheels as a battery-electric car |
| Pros | Zero emissions, incredible efficiency, smooth running, quick refuelling |
| Hydrogen as a fuel | Hydrogen is the most common element in the universe but is never found in its pure state |
| Pure hydrogen for vehicles requires using a great deal of energy to "crack" a compound like natural gas (CH4) into pure H2, with CO2 as a byproduct | |
| Zero-emissions "green hydrogen" comes from electrolysis: using clean electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen | |
| Hydrogen refueling stations | As of mid-2022, there are fewer than 100 hydrogen refueling stations in the US, almost all in California |
| There are 178 hydrogen filling stations in Europe, half of which are in Germany | |
| Hydrogen-powered cars available | Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo SUV, Honda CR-V e, Land Rover Defender FCEV, NamX HUV, Hyperion XP-1 |
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What You'll Learn
- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are zero-emissions, highly efficient, and convenient
- Hydrogen is difficult to transport and requires specialised infrastructure
- Hydrogen cars are expensive and less practical than electric vehicles
- Hydrogen fuel cells are still being used in trucks and aviation
- Hydrogen cars are still being developed and tested by manufacturers
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are zero-emissions, highly efficient, and convenient
The main challenge for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is the infrastructure for distributing and storing hydrogen. Hydrogen is highly flammable, must be stored under pressure, and leaks easily, posing safety concerns. Additionally, it carries less energy per unit volume than fossil fuels, requiring a larger number of tankers for transportation. The lack of hydrogen filling stations discourages buyers from purchasing hydrogen cars, creating a chicken-and-egg problem. However, companies like FASTECH are working to address this issue by establishing hydrogen refueling stations.
Despite these challenges, several vehicle manufacturers remain invested in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Toyota and Hyundai continue to produce hydrogen passenger cars in California, and BMW and Toyota have announced a collaboration on a BMW hydrogen production car slated for 2028. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are particularly advantageous for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and aviation due to their range and fueling time benefits over battery-electric vehicles.
The economics of hydrogen cars are also more attractive in certain regions, such as Japan, where electricity costs are high. Hydrogen can be produced from renewable sources, including water electrolysis using solar or wind power, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, the current process of creating pure hydrogen often involves "cracking" compounds like natural gas, resulting in carbon emissions. Advancements in hydrogen infrastructure and production methods could make hydrogen fuel cell vehicles a more viable option in the future.
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Hydrogen is difficult to transport and requires specialised infrastructure
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) were once seen as a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels for cars. However, the vision of a hydrogen-powered future has not yet been realised due to various challenges, one of which is the difficulty of transporting hydrogen and the need for specialised infrastructure.
Hydrogen is the smallest and lightest element on Earth. It has a low volumetric energy density, which means it is challenging to transport and deliver to the point of use. Hydrogen is highly flammable and must be stored under pressure, making it a safety concern. It also leaks easily, leading to energy losses and additional costs. The process of liquefaction, which is necessary for long-distance transportation and storage, is energy-intensive and expensive. Compressing hydrogen gas for transportation also requires high pressures of 180 bar or more, and the use of specialised equipment like tube trailers or cryogenic liquid tanker trucks.
The transportation, storage, and delivery of hydrogen present significant challenges and costs. Hydrogen is often transported via pipelines, but for longer distances, it is typically liquefied and transported in super-insulated tanker trucks. Liquefaction requires cooling hydrogen to cryogenic temperatures, which is an energy-intensive and costly process. Additionally, some liquid hydrogen is lost through evaporation or "boil off".
The development of a national hydrogen delivery infrastructure is a complex task that will take time and involve various technologies. The infrastructure needs and resources will vary depending on the region and market type, such as urban, interstate, or rural areas. As hydrogen demand grows, the infrastructure options will also need to evolve and improve.
The expansion of hydrogen transportation and infrastructure faces a chicken-and-egg" problem. Buyers are hesitant to invest in hydrogen cars due to the lack of filling stations, and there is a lack of incentive to build filling stations when the number of hydrogen cars is low. This has led to a slow adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with only a small number of these cars on the roads, primarily in California, the only state in the US with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations.
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Hydrogen cars are expensive and less practical than electric vehicles
Hydrogen cars, or hydrogen fuel cell electric cars, are vehicles that use an electric motor powered by a fuel cell stack. Hydrogen (H2) passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen (O2) from the air, producing electricity and water vapour. This process gives hydrogen fuel cell vehicles the advantage of zero emissions, but they have not delivered on their promise as a practical solution for sustainable transportation.
One of the main reasons for this is the high cost of hydrogen cars and their fuel. The two mainstream hydrogen cars on sale in the US, the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo, start at around $50,000 and $60,000, respectively. In comparison, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more affordable, with a growing number of models costing less than $50,000, thanks to the falling price of lithium-ion batteries. The cost of hydrogen fuel is also impacted by high production costs and limited competition, and the total cost of ownership for hydrogen vehicles is around 10% more than for EVs.
Another factor contributing to the higher cost and reduced practicality of hydrogen cars is the limited infrastructure for refuelling. Hydrogen fuelling stations are expensive to build and operate, and there are currently very few of them in operation. For example, as of mid-2022, all 17,000 or fewer hydrogen-powered vehicles in the US were in California, the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations. In contrast, electric cars have advanced infrastructure and charging stations, with governments worldwide investing in the expansion of charging networks.
The process of refuelling hydrogen cars is also less convenient and practical than that of electric vehicles. While hydrogen cars can be refuelled in a matter of minutes, similar to conventional gasoline vehicles, the production and transportation of hydrogen fuel are complex and costly. Additionally, the limited range of electric cars compared to the time it takes to recharge their batteries is a drawback that hydrogen cars aimed to address. However, the longer driving ranges offered by hydrogen cars are not enough to offset the other disadvantages, especially considering the challenges and costs associated with building a new hydrogen economy.
Overall, hydrogen cars are more expensive and less practical than electric vehicles due to the higher purchase and ownership costs, limited refuelling infrastructure, and the complexities and expenses associated with hydrogen production and transportation. While hydrogen fuel cell technology offers the advantage of zero emissions, electric vehicles have become a more popular and viable option for consumers and governments looking for a cleaner and more affordable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
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Hydrogen fuel cells are still being used in trucks and aviation
Hydrogen fuel cells are still being explored for use in trucks and aviation, with companies like Nikola and Airbus leading the way.
Nikola is currently offering lease and direct purchase options for its hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks. These trucks offer zero tailpipe emissions and instant power and acceleration. The trucks are also much quieter than their diesel equivalents.
Volvo Trucks is also working on hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks, which they believe will be an important part of their zero-exhaust emission product portfolio. During 2023, these trucks were being test-driven on public roads.
In the aviation industry, Airbus has determined that hydrogen fuel cells are the most promising technology for its ZEROe aircraft, which it aims to bring to market by 2035. The ZEROe aircraft will feature an electric propeller propulsion system powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which transform the hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction. The company is also working on building the right hydrogen ecosystem to fuel these aircraft.
The use of hydrogen fuel cells in trucks and aviation offers several advantages, such as zero emissions, high energy efficiency, and quick refuelling. However, there are still challenges to be addressed, including the need for more investment in hydrogen storage and infrastructure, as well as ensuring that the hydrogen is produced from renewable sources to minimize the carbon footprint.
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Hydrogen cars are still being developed and tested by manufacturers
Despite these challenges, several vehicle manufacturers remain committed to developing hydrogen fuel cell cars. For instance, Toyota and Hyundai continue to produce hydrogen passenger cars for sale in California, and Toyota's Mirai is one of the only hydrogen-powered cars widely available. BMW is also investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology, with plans to release a BMW hydrogen production car in 2028.
Other manufacturers, such as Riversimple with its Rasa concept car, are gradually moving towards broader production as hydrogen infrastructure improves. Hyperion Motors, an American manufacturer, unveiled a hydrogen-powered hypercar in 2020, showcasing advanced technology derived from NASA. Stellantis, a manufacturer of hydrogen vans, aims to drive down the sticker price of hydrogen vehicles and make them more accessible.
While hydrogen cars have faced setbacks, the underlying technology still has the potential to be transformative. Hydrogen fuel cells offer advantages over electric vehicles, including shorter refueling times and longer ranges, making them suitable for long-haul trucks and taxis that need to constantly be on the road. As more manufacturers enter the market and infrastructure improves, hydrogen cars may yet become a viable option for sustainable transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are vehicles that use hydrogen as their energy source. They are similar to electric cars in that they use the same kind of electric motor to turn the wheels, but they are powered by a fuel-cell stack that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, instead of a large, heavy battery.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars have not taken off due to a variety of factors, including the lack of infrastructure for hydrogen distribution and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). The high flammability of hydrogen gas and the safety concerns associated with it have also hindered the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell cars.
Yes, several vehicle manufacturers are still invested in hydrogen fuel cell cars and continue to produce new models, particularly for commercial applications such as trucks and aviation. As of 2024, Toyota and Hyundai are the main manufacturers producing hydrogen passenger cars, specifically for the state of California.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars offer several advantages over EVs, including faster refuelling times, higher payloads, and longer ranges. They also produce zero emissions, making them a clean and efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel vehicles.
