Katerina Swanson
Fuel cell electric cars are vehicles that use hydrogen fuel cells to power an electric motor and drive the wheels. Hydrogen is introduced to the anode of a fuel cell, and oxygen from the air is introduced to the cathode, creating an electrochemical reaction that generates electricity to power the motor. The only byproduct of this process is water vapour, making fuel cell electric cars a zero-emissions alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. While fuel cell electric cars have been offered by major automakers in popular vehicle types, including sedans and compact SUVs, critics have questioned the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen fuel cell technology for automobiles compared to other zero-emission technologies.
Characteristics and Values of Fuel Cell Electric Cars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Fuel Cell | Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell |
| Fuel | Hydrogen |
| By-product | Water |
| Fuel Tank | Carbon-fibre-reinforced tanks |
| Power | Size of the electric motor(s) |
| Battery | Captures energy from regenerative braking and provides additional power to the electric motor |
| Availability | Limited availability, with fewer than 50 hydrogen fuelling stations in the U.S. as of 2020 |
| Examples | Honda CR-V e:FCEV, Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo SUV |
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What You'll Learn
How do fuel cell electric vehicles work?
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are powered by hydrogen, which combines with oxygen from the air to produce electricity. This process occurs in the fuel cell stack, which is an assembly of individual membrane electrodes. The electricity generated powers the electric motor, turning the wheels of the vehicle.
The most common type of fuel cell for vehicles is the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. In a PEM fuel cell, an electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between a positive electrode (cathode) and a negative electrode (anode). Hydrogen is introduced to the anode, and oxygen from the air is introduced to the cathode. An electrochemical reaction, aided by a catalyst, causes the hydrogen molecules to break apart into protons and electrons. The protons then travel through the membrane to the cathode, while the electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit, providing power to the electric motor. Finally, the electrons recombine with the protons on the cathode side, where they combine with oxygen molecules to form water. This water is emitted through the exhaust as water vapour, along with a small amount of heat.
The amount of energy stored in the vehicle is determined by the size of the hydrogen fuel tank. The hydrogen is stored in carbon-fiber-reinforced tanks and can be refuelled at hydrogen fuelling stations. The fuel cell can also be complemented by a battery, which recaptures braking energy and provides additional power during acceleration. This is particularly useful for short periods of intense acceleration, where the power output of the fuel cell may be insufficient on its own.
FCEVs have several benefits, including low noise, zero tailpipe emissions, and high energy efficiency. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles faces challenges due to the limited hydrogen fuelling infrastructure and concerns about cost-effectiveness compared to other zero-emission technologies.
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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) uses an electric motor to turn its wheels, similar to a battery-electric car. However, instead of a large, heavy battery, it is powered by a fuel-cell stack. In this stack, pure hydrogen passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen from the air, producing electricity to turn the wheels and water vapour as a by-product. This makes a fuel-cell vehicle technically a series hybrid, which is why they are sometimes classified as fuel-cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEV).
To create pure hydrogen for vehicles, a great deal of energy is required to "crack" compounds like natural gas into pure hydrogen, with CO2 as a by-product. Most hydrogen today is derived from fossil fuels like natural gas. When run through a fuel cell, the hydrogen immediately gives back the energy in the form of electricity as soon as it combines with oxygen.
The most common type of fuel cell for vehicle applications is the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. In a PEM fuel cell, an electrolyte membrane is sandwiched between a positive electrode (cathode) and a negative electrode (anode). Hydrogen is introduced to the anode, and oxygen from the air is introduced to the cathode. The hydrogen molecules break apart into protons and electrons due to an electrochemical reaction aided by a catalyst. The protons then travel through the membrane to the cathode, while the electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit to provide power to the electric motor. They then recombine with the protons on the cathode side, where the protons, electrons, and oxygen molecules combine to form water.
Since 2015, three hydrogen-powered cars have been offered for sale: the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the Hyundai Nexo SUV, and the Toyota Mirai. However, Honda has ended production of the Clarity, and Hyundai has sold a limited number of Nexo SUVs. Toyota, the company most devoted to hydrogen power, has sold roughly 14,300 Mirai sedans across two generations in the U.S. In 2024, Honda introduced the CR-V e:FCEV, an adaptation of a popular compact crossover with a hydrogen fuel cell and a larger battery.
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Benefits of hydrogen fuel cells
A fuel cell electric car uses a fuel cell stack to generate electricity and power the electric motor. Hydrogen is introduced to the anode, and oxygen from the air is introduced to the cathode. The hydrogen molecules break down into protons and electrons, and the protons travel through a membrane to the cathode. The electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit, providing power to the electric motor, and then they recombine with the protons on the cathode side. The only by-product of this process is water.
Zero Emissions
Hydrogen fuel cells offer a zero-emission power source, in contrast to the pollutants produced by fossil fuel combustion. They emit only water vapour and heat, significantly reducing emissions and contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
High Efficiency
Hydrogen fuel cells are highly efficient, with efficiency rates of 40-60% according to the U.S. This is a significant improvement over traditional internal combustion engines, which operate at around 25% efficiency. This high efficiency can lead to improved warehouse productivity and reduced energy consumption.
Clean and Reliable Energy Source
Hydrogen fuel cells provide a clean and reliable alternative energy source for a growing number of applications, including electric vehicles, primary and backup power for buildings, and more. They can operate independently of the grid, making them invaluable in regions where conventional power infrastructures are compromised due to natural disasters or other disruptions.
Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness
Hydrogen fuel cells offer scalability, meaning they can be engineered to meet diverse customer power needs. They can also be more cost-effective than batteries and internal combustion generators, as they eliminate the need to change, charge, and manage batteries, reducing labour, time, space, and peak power demands.
Quiet Operation and Minimal Space Requirements
Hydrogen fuel cells operate quietly and require minimal space, making them ideal for urban and residential areas where noise and space concerns are important factors.
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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles vs. battery-electric vehicles
A fuel cell electric car is a type of electric vehicle that uses a fuel cell to power its on-board electric motor. The most common type of fuel cell for vehicle applications is the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell. In a PEM fuel cell, hydrogen is introduced to the anode, and oxygen from the air is introduced to the cathode. The hydrogen molecules break apart into protons and electrons, and the electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit to power the electric motor.
When comparing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), there are several key differences and trade-offs to consider:
Power Source
The main difference between the two types of vehicles is their power source. HFCVs are powered by a fuel cell stack, where pure hydrogen passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen from the air, producing electricity and water vapour. BEVs, on the other hand, are powered by large, heavy batteries that store electricity and provide power to the electric motor.
Refuelling and Charging
Filling up a fuel-cell vehicle with hydrogen is much faster than charging a battery-electric vehicle. The refuelling process for HFCVs is similar to that of traditional gas-powered cars, making it convenient for those who are used to the pump-and-go experience. However, creating and transporting hydrogen can be costly and energy-intensive, and there is currently a lack of hydrogen supply networks and refuelling stations. BEVs, on the other hand, can take advantage of the existing electrical grid and charging infrastructure, although charging times can be longer, especially for larger batteries and commercial vehicles.
Cost
The cost of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles tends to be higher than that of comparable gasoline vehicles or BEVs due to the high cost of hydrogen fuel. The price of lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in BEVs, has been falling in recent years, making BEVs more affordable. However, BEVs may require battery replacements, which can be expensive.
Environmental Impact
Both HFCVs and BEVs offer a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel-powered cars, as they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions or harmful air pollution. However, the environmental impact of the power source must also be considered. Hydrogen fuel can be produced from renewable energy sources (green hydrogen) or fossil fuels (blue or black hydrogen), affecting its environmental footprint. Similarly, the electricity used to charge BEV batteries can come from renewable or non-renewable sources, impacting the overall environmental impact.
Range and Performance
HFCVs offer longer driving ranges compared to BEVs, making them a more attractive option for long-distance travel or commercial applications. However, BEVs have improved in range and performance, and advancements in battery technology continue to enhance their capabilities.
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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles' impact on the environment
A fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) uses a fuel cell and, sometimes, a battery to power an electric motor. Hydrogen is introduced to the anode of the fuel cell, and oxygen from the air is introduced to the cathode. An electrochemical reaction then causes the hydrogen molecules to break apart into protons and electrons. The protons travel through a membrane to the cathode, while the electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit to provide power to the electric motor. The electrons then recombine with the protons on the cathode side, where they combine with oxygen molecules to form water.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) have the potential to revolutionize the transportation sector, mitigate environmental impacts, and foster a greener and more resilient global economy. Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles emit none of the harmful substances emitted by gasoline and diesel engines, such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Instead, the only byproduct of the electrochemical reaction in fuel cells is water vapour. This means that HFCVs operate with minimal environmental impact, and can play a key role in reducing air pollution, which negatively impacts the health of the public and the environment.
However, the production of hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles does pose certain challenges. The most common method of hydrogen production is steam methane reforming (SMR), which relies on natural gas as a feedstock. This process produces CO2 emissions, which negate some of the environmental benefits of HFCVs. Hydrogen can also be produced from diverse domestic resources with the potential for near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, such as solar energy, wind, and biomass. However, developing and scaling up sustainable and low-carbon hydrogen production methods, such as electrolysis using renewable energy sources, is crucial but currently faces challenges in terms of cost and scalability.
Another challenge is the energy efficiency of HFCVs. While they are more energy-efficient than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, they are less efficient than battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The energy required to produce, transport, and store hydrogen, as well as the energy losses in the fuel cell system itself, result in lower overall energy efficiency compared to BEVs. Additionally, the cost of fuel cells will need to decrease substantially for HFCVs to be competitive in the marketplace.
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Frequently asked questions
A fuel cell electric car is an electric car that runs on hydrogen stored in a reinforced tank inside the car. The hydrogen combines with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, which powers the car.
Hydrogen gas is stored in carbon-fiber-reinforced tanks to provide fuel to the fuel-cell stack. The fuel-cell stack is an assembly of individual membrane electrodes that use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. The electricity powers the car's electric motor.
Fuel cell electric cars are quiet, very energy efficient, produce no emissions, and have a similar range and performance to gasoline cars.
