Ameer Randolph
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are powered by an electric motor and are classified as e-cars. They are zero-emission vehicles that emit only water vapour. Hydrogen fuel cell cars are powered by compressed hydrogen gas that feeds into an onboard fuel cell stack that transforms the fuel's chemical energy into electrical energy. This electricity then powers the car's electric motors. Hydrogen fuel cell cars can carry enough hydrogen fuel for 300-400 miles of range and their tanks can be refilled as quickly as that of a standard car's gas tank. The power of the vehicle is defined by the size of the electric motor(s) that receives electric power from the appropriately sized fuel cell and battery combination. The fuel cell in the Toyota Mirai, the best-selling hydrogen car in the U.S., is rated at 90 kW (120 horsepower).
Characteristics and Values of Fuel Cell Cars
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles sold worldwide as of December 2020 | 31,225 |
| Number of hydrogen fuel cell buses in use around the world as of 2020 | 5,648 |
| Percentage of hydrogen fuel cell buses in China as of 2020 | 93.7% |
| Number of hydrogen fuel stations in the U.S. as of 2020 | 50 |
| Number of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the U.S. as of 2024 | 17,000 |
| Number of hydrogen-powered vehicles models publicly available in select markets as of 2021 | 2 |
| Power rating of the fuel cell in the Toyota Mirai | 90 kW (120 horsepower) |
| Time taken to refill the hydrogen tank of a BMW iX5 Hydrogen | 3-4 minutes |
| Energy efficiency of fuel cells | 40-60% |
| Energy efficiency of internal combustion engines in cars | 43% |
| Energy efficiency of steam power plants | 30-40% |
| Energy efficiency of combined cycle gas turbine and steam plants | >60% |
| Energy efficiency of combined heat and power systems | up to 85-90% |
| Output of the world's first Fuel Cell Boat HYDRA | 6.5 kW net output |
| Fuel economy rating of the 2017 Honda Clarity (city driving) | 68 MPGe |
| Fuel economy rating of the 2017 Honda Clarity (combined city/highway) | 67 MPGe |
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What You'll Learn
- Hydrogen-powered cars are related to electric cars but are very different
- Hydrogen fuel cells are most efficient at a steady power output
- Hydrogen vehicles produce electricity themselves, unlike electric vehicles
- Hydrogen fuel cells are stored in gaseous form in thick-walled tanks
- Hydrogen fuel cells are more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines
Hydrogen-powered cars are related to electric cars but are very different
Hydrogen-powered cars, also known as fuel cell electric cars, are related to electric cars but have distinct characteristics that set them apart. These vehicles offer an innovative approach to transportation by harnessing the power of hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity and propel the car forward. Here's a detailed look at the similarities and differences between hydrogen-powered cars and electric cars:
Similarities:
Both hydrogen-powered cars and electric cars offer a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline, diesel, or petrol-powered vehicles. They are both classified as zero-emission vehicles, producing no harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. Additionally, both types of cars offer a dynamic and virtually silent driving experience, with electric motors providing full torque even at low speeds.
Differences:
One key difference lies in their power sources. Electric cars, often referred to as battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) or electric vehicles (EVs), rely on electric current stored in lithium-ion batteries to power their electric motors. On the other hand, hydrogen-powered cars, or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen within the fuel cells. This process produces electricity and water vapour, making hydrogen cars essentially small, hydrogen-fuelled power stations.
Another distinction is observed in their refueling processes. Electric cars require charging at dedicated charging stations or by plugging into a wall outlet, which can take a significant amount of time. In contrast, refilling the hydrogen tank in a hydrogen-powered car at a specialised filling station typically takes just a few minutes, offering a faster and more instantaneous refueling experience.
The availability of infrastructure also varies between the two types of vehicles. Electric cars benefit from advanced infrastructure and a growing network of charging stations worldwide, supported by government investments. On the other hand, hydrogen-powered cars face challenges due to limited refueling stations and a lack of hydrogen infrastructure in many regions. This lack of infrastructure has been a significant hurdle for the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered cars.
Lastly, the cost of ownership differs between the two. Electric cars have become increasingly affordable, benefiting from falling battery prices and government incentives. While the cost of hydrogen-powered cars has decreased over the years, they generally remain more expensive, with the cost of hydrogen fuel contributing to a higher total cost of ownership compared to both electric vehicles and traditional gasoline cars.
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Hydrogen fuel cells are most efficient at a steady power output
The fuel cell in the Toyota Mirai, the best-selling hydrogen car in the US, is rated at 90 kW (120 horsepower). However, this is insufficient for acceleration onto a fast-moving highway. As a result, Toyota, like other HFCV manufacturers, includes a high-voltage, low-capacity battery similar to those found in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. This battery provides additional power for brief periods of intense acceleration and is recharged by either excess fuel-cell output when the car is cruising at a steady speed or via regenerative braking when the car slows.
The main advantage of hydrogen cars is their short refuelling time, which allows operators to get back to work faster. Hydrogen cars are also emission-free, producing only water vapour as they drive. Hydrogen has a higher energy density than propane or gasoline, making it a valuable energy source. Hydrogen fuel cells are also unique in that they can use a wide range of fuels and feedstocks and can power systems as large as a utility power station and as small as a laptop computer.
However, hydrogen fuel cells are costly to produce, and there are few hydrogen fuelling stations available to the public. Hydrogen is also challenging to handle due to the space and weight required to store it. Storing hydrogen is expensive, and the process of isolating it is costly and energy inefficient. Hydrogen fuel cells are also less energy-efficient than lithium-ion batteries, which can maintain high voltage output at a lower state of charge throughout a shift.
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Hydrogen vehicles produce electricity themselves, unlike electric vehicles
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) are related to electric cars but have distinct pros and cons that set them apart. Hydrogen vehicles, unlike electric vehicles, produce electricity themselves. This means that their power does not come from a built-in battery, as is the case with purely electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged from an external power source. Instead, hydrogen cars have their own power plant on board, which converts the hydrogen in the fuel tank into electricity. In the fuel cell of an FCEV, hydrogen and oxygen generate electrical energy. This energy is directed into the electric motor and/or the battery, as needed. A process known as reverse electrolysis takes place in a fuel cell, where hydrogen reacts with oxygen. The hydrogen comes from one or more tanks in the car, while the oxygen comes from the ambient air.
The electric motor in a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle drives the vehicle's wheels using power from the fuel cell and the traction battery pack. Some vehicles use motor generators that perform both the drive and regeneration functions. Hydrogen vehicles can also recover braking energy through a process called "recuperation," where the electric motor converts the car's kinetic energy back into electrical energy and feeds it into the buffer battery. This process is similar to that of electric vehicles.
The main advantage of hydrogen vehicles over electric vehicles is their short refueling time. Unlike the charging time of electric cars, which depends on the model and infrastructure, it only takes three to four minutes to refill the hydrogen tank of a BMW iX5 Hydrogen. This makes the driving experience similar to that of a gasoline car, where you only need to stop for a few minutes to refuel. However, a significant drawback of hydrogen cars is that they cannot be refueled or recharged at home overnight, unlike electric vehicles. Hydrogen drivers are dependent on a reliable supply of hydrogen and access to properly functioning high-pressure fueling stations.
As of 2020, there were limited hydrogen infrastructure options, with fewer than 50 hydrogen fueling stations for automobiles publicly available in the U.S. However, the infrastructure for hydrogen refueling stations is constantly being expanded worldwide, and studies have shown that a combined infrastructure with electric charging and hydrogen refueling stations is more cost-effective than a pure electric charging infrastructure. Hydrogen fuel cell technology has been used in various applications, such as the world's first Fuel Cell Boat HYDRA, and in aircraft to provide auxiliary power and reduce emissions.
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Hydrogen fuel cells are stored in gaseous form in thick-walled tanks
Gaseous storage is the most common method for storing hydrogen, and it is also the most feasible option for expanding hydrogen storage capacity. Hydrogen can be stored as a gas in large volumes in natural geological formations, such as salt caverns, lined hard rock caverns, depleted oil and natural gas fields, and aquifers. This type of storage is safe and secure, making it suitable for long-term seasonal energy storage. For instance, the Advanced Clean Energy Storage project in Utah aims to store large volumes of gaseous hydrogen produced from renewable sources.
While hydrogen fuel cell cars have faced criticism for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to other zero-emission technologies, they offer unique advantages. Hydrogen vehicles produce electricity themselves, eliminating the need for a built-in battery found in purely electric vehicles. This makes them more similar to electric cars in terms of driving experience, with dynamic and virtually silent acceleration due to the full torque provided by electric motors even at low speeds. Additionally, hydrogen cars have a short refuelling time, taking only three to four minutes to refill the tank of a BMW iX5 Hydrogen, compared to the longer and model-dependent charging times of electric cars.
The main challenge for automotive engineers is managing the power demands of a car with hydrogen fuel cells. While these fuel cells are most efficient at a steady power output, making them suitable for backup power, the power requirements of a car can vary significantly. To address this issue, manufacturers like Toyota have added a high-voltage, low-capacity battery to their hydrogen fuel cell cars, similar to those found in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles. This supplementary power source provides the necessary boost during periods of intense acceleration and is recharged through excess fuel-cell output or regenerative braking.
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Hydrogen fuel cells are more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines
Hydrogen fuel cells are an efficient power source for trucks, construction equipment, buses, and industrial or marine applications. They benefit from a high energy-to-weight ratio, which means they can power heavy loads over long distances with shorter refuelling times. This makes them ideal for long-haul trucking, where minimising downtime is crucial.
In vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells power electric trucks, buses, construction equipment, and cars. They are also used in industrial processes such as oil refining and ammonia production and can store excess energy from renewable sources. Hydrogen fuel cells can help reduce CO2 and other pollutant emissions and noise. For example, the world's first Fuel Cell Boat, HYDRA, produced 140 times less hydrocarbons per litre of fuel consumed than the average modern car.
However, hydrogen fuel cells also have some drawbacks. They require more energy to cool down due to higher heat generation, and they degrade over time, becoming less efficient. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles require more energy and infrastructure to refuel compared to traditional diesel trucks. As a result, critics doubt whether hydrogen fuel cells will be efficient or cost-effective for automobiles compared to other zero-emission technologies.
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Frequently asked questions
A fuel cell car is a vehicle that uses a fuel cell to convert the chemical energy of a fuel (usually hydrogen) and an oxidising agent (usually oxygen) into electricity to power the car.
Fuel cell cars are generally between 40% and 60% energy efficient, which is higher than some other systems for energy generation. For example, the internal combustion engine of a car is about 43% energy efficient. The power demands of a car can vary from 15 kilowatts (20 horsepower) for a steady highway speed to 10-20 times that amount for maximum acceleration. The fuel cell in the Toyota Mirai, the best-selling hydrogen car in the U.S., is rated at 90 kW (120 horsepower).
Fuel cells have been shown to provide 530 Wh/kg compared to 44 Wh/kg for lithium-ion batteries. However, while the weight of fuel cell systems offers an advantage, the current costs do not. A battery system will generally cost around $1.20 per Wh, while fuel cell systems cost around $5 per Wh.
Fuel cell cars are quiet, very energy efficient, produce no emissions, and have a similar range and performance to gasoline cars. They also have a shorter refuelling time than electric cars, taking only three to four minutes to refill the hydrogen tank of a BMW iX5 Hydrogen.
Fuel cell cars are currently more expensive to acquire than comparable conventional cars. There is also a lack of hydrogen fuelling infrastructure, with fewer than 50 hydrogen fuelling stations publicly available in the U.S.
