Sylvie Willis
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) are powered by an electric motor and are therefore classified as e-cars. Unlike battery-powered electric cars, which are charged by an external power source, hydrogen vehicles produce their own electricity. Hydrogen gas is stored in carbon-fiber-reinforced tanks on board the vehicle and, when combined with oxygen from the air in a process known as reverse electrolysis, produces the electricity that powers the car's electric motor. The only waste product of this reaction is water vapour, meaning that hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are zero-emission vehicles.
Hydrogen-Assisted Cars:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Vehicle | Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) or Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle (FCHEV) |
| Fuel Type | Hydrogen (H2) |
| Fuel Storage | High-pressure carbon-fiber reinforced tanks |
| Fuel Cell | Converts chemical energy into electrical energy |
| Emissions | Water vapour, zero tailpipe emissions |
| Energy Carrier | Hydrogen combines with oxygen to produce electricity |
| Power | Size of the electric motor(s) defined by vehicle manufacturer |
| Driving Range | 300-400 miles |
| Refuelling Time | 5 minutes |
| Infrastructure | Limited availability, expanding worldwide |
| Cost | Higher fuel cost than gasoline, vehicle rebates available in some regions |
| Safety | Spontaneously combustible if leaked |
| Availability | Limited models available, future commercialisation uncertain |
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs)
The process that takes place in a fuel cell is known as reverse electrolysis, in which hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electrical energy, heat, and water vapour. This water vapour is the only emission produced by HFCVs, making them zero-emission vehicles.
HFCVs use the same kind of electric motor to turn the wheels as battery-electric cars but are powered by a fuel-cell stack in which pure hydrogen passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen from the air, producing the electricity that turns the wheels. This means that HFCVs are technically a series hybrid, which is why they are sometimes classified as fuel-cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs).
HFCVs can be refuelled in about five minutes and have a driving range of over 300 miles, with some models offering a range of 300-400 miles on a single tank of fuel. However, they are more expensive to refuel than conventional cars as hydrogen sells for considerably more than gasoline.
HFCVs are subject to several drawbacks, including high carbon emissions when hydrogen is produced from natural gas, high production costs, high energy inputs in production and transportation, and the need for investment in refuelling infrastructure. As of 2021, there were only two models of hydrogen cars publicly available in select markets: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo.
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Hydrogen as an energy carrier
Hydrogen is the most abundant element on Earth, consisting of only one proton and one electron. It is an energy carrier, not a source of energy, and can deliver or store a large amount of energy. Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity, power, and heat.
Hydrogen is produced from diverse, domestic resources, and its strong propensity to bind with other elements makes it a good energy carrier. Pure hydrogen for vehicles is produced by using energy to "crack" compounds like natural gas (CH4) into pure H2, with CO2 as a byproduct. This process is known as reverse electrolysis. Hydrogen can also be produced from fossil fuels, electricity, and renewable sources such as biomass, geothermal, solar, or wind.
Hydrogen and fuel cells have a wide range of applications, including backup power, systems for storing and enabling renewable energy, portable power, and auxiliary power for trucks, aircraft, rail, and ships. Hydrogen is also used in transportation, with hydrogen-powered cars known as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). These vehicles are powered by an electric motor and produce electricity themselves, rather than relying on a built-in battery. The hydrogen in the fuel tank combines with oxygen from the ambient air in the fuel cell, producing electrical energy, heat, and water vapour, with no emissions.
The hydrogen economy is a proposed system where hydrogen is the primary energy carrier, offering advantages for the environment, energy security, the economy, and end-users. Hydrogen is also one of the most efficient ways to store and transport renewable energy, making it important for future energy supplies. However, for transportation fuel cells, hydrogen must be cost-competitive with conventional fuels and technologies. Research is focused on improving the efficiency and lifetime of hydrogen production technologies, as well as reducing costs.
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Hydrogen refuelling stations
As of 2024, there are 54 retail hydrogen refuelling stations in the United States, with most of them concentrated in California. California is the sole state with a network of retail hydrogen refuelling stations, making it possible to drive hydrogen-powered vehicles. Hawaii has one station, and there are plans to expand to the East Coast.
The number of retail hydrogen refuelling locations is increasing, supporting the rollout of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Manufacturers like Hyundai and Toyota are offering FCEVs for sale or lease in markets where hydrogen fuel is available. This includes northern and southern California, near San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
To expand the hydrogen infrastructure, mobile hydrogen fuellers are being developed. These are trailers that store liquefied or compressed hydrogen and dispensing equipment, making it easier to access hydrogen fuel.
The development of hydrogen refuelling stations is crucial to increasing the adoption of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. As the demand for FCEVs grows, the business case for building more stations improves, and the production of station components will drive down costs.
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Hydrogen fuel tanks
Compressed hydrogen fuel tanks are typically made of carbon fiber composites or carbon fiber and metal alloys and composites. These materials ensure the tanks can withstand high pressures and safely store hydrogen without any leakage. Hydrogen fueling stations dispense compressed hydrogen, and the refueling process is similar to that of traditional gas stations, taking only around five minutes.
Liquid hydrogen storage is another option for hydrogen fuel tanks, but it requires cryogenic temperatures below -253 degrees Celsius. While liquid hydrogen has the advantage of a higher energy density than compressed hydrogen, it poses challenges due to the need for advanced freezer systems to maintain its liquidity. Additionally, cryogenic liquid hydrogen tanks can have boil-off problems, leading to the evaporation of the liquid over time if the vehicle is left stationary for prolonged periods.
The development of efficient hydrogen fuel tanks is crucial for facilitating greener and more sustainable long-distance transportation. Hydrogen-powered vehicles that utilize these fuel tanks produce zero emissions, releasing only water vapor into the atmosphere. This technology plays a vital role in reducing CO2 emissions from the transportation sector, particularly for heavy vehicles, and contributes to the broader adoption of electric vehicles.
In summary, hydrogen fuel tanks, especially compressed hydrogen gas tanks, offer a promising solution for hydrogen-powered vehicles by providing safe and efficient storage of hydrogen fuel. The availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, including fueling stations, is also expanding globally, making hydrogen fuel tanks a viable option for sustainable transportation.
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Hydrogen fuel-cell stacks
A fuel-cell stack is a collection of individual fuel cells arranged in a series. Each fuel cell contains a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and two flow-field plates, producing about 0.5 to 1V of voltage. By stacking multiple cells together, a higher voltage and power output can be achieved. The number of cells in the stack directly influences the overall voltage, while increasing the surface area of the cells enhances the current.
Within each fuel cell in the stack, a "cold combustion" process occurs. This process involves the continuous feeding of hydrogen from the car's fuel tank and the intake of oxygen from the ambient air. The hydrogen undergoes a catalytic process, splitting into electrons and protons. The protons pass through a polymer membrane toward the cathode, while the electrons flow from the anode to the cathode via an electrical circuit, generating an electric current.
At the cathode, the protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to form water, heat, and electricity through a chemical reaction. This reaction is highly efficient, and notably, it does not produce any harmful emissions or pollutants. The electricity generated in the fuel cell can then be used to power the electric motor of the vehicle directly or charge a small "buffer" battery for temporary energy storage.
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Frequently asked questions
A hydrogen-powered car, also known as a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (HFCV), is a car powered by hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are related to electric cars but are powered by an electric motor and produce their own electricity.
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles use a process known as reverse electrolysis, which takes place in a fuel cell. Hydrogen is stored in carbon-fiber reinforced tanks on the vehicle and is passed through an anode in a fuel cell. The hydrogen then combines with oxygen from the ambient air to produce electrical energy, heat, and water vapour. This electricity powers the car's electric motor.
Hydrogen-powered cars are emission-free, with water vapour being the only thing that comes out of the exhaust pipe. They also have a quick refuelling time of around five minutes and can travel over 300 miles on a full tank of hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen is also a very efficient way to store and transport renewable energy.
Hydrogen-powered cars are much rarer than electric vehicles. As of mid-2022, there were 17,000 or fewer hydrogen-powered vehicles on US roads, and they were all in California, the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations. Hydrogen is also prone to spontaneous combustion if it leaks, and it is more expensive than gasoline.
