Rajan Wilcox
Fuel cell cars, also known as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), are already on the market, but they face challenges in terms of cost, availability, and infrastructure support. Since 2015, car companies have offered models like the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, Hyundai Nexo SUV, and Toyota Mirai. However, sales have been modest, and Honda has ended production of the Clarity. Hydrogen fuel cell cars are powered by an electric motor and produce zero emissions, but critics question their efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to other zero-emission technologies. The availability of hydrogen fuel stations is also a concern, impacting the feasibility of hydrogen cars for consumers. Despite these challenges, some car manufacturers remain committed to hydrogen power, and new models like the Honda CR-V e:FCEV and Hyundai Staria Fuel Cell are expected to be released in the coming years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles currently available | Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, Honda CR-V e:FCEV (lease only) |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles coming soon | Hyundai Staria Fuel Cell, BMW iX5, Honda CR-V FCEV |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles discontinued | Honda Clarity Fuel Cell |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles advantages | Low noise, low thermal signature, ability to attain high altitude, zero emissions, no transmission, regenerative braking |
| Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles disadvantages | Limited hydrogen infrastructure, availability of hydrogen fuel, cost-prohibitive, time-consuming production process |
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are already here
In 2024, one new hydrogen vehicle was released: the Honda CR-V e:FCEV, an adaptation of the popular compact crossover with a hydrogen fuel cell and a larger battery that can be plugged in. Spy pictures suggest that the Honda CR-V FCEV will feature a unique front fascia, a slim upper grille, a repositioned logo, and visibly bigger side air inlets. It will be a hydrogen hybrid with a plug-in feature, allowing it to be used as a BEV in places with limited or no hydrogen fueling stations.
The Hyundai Nexo will go on sale in South Korea in Q1 2025 and then in the U.S. The Hyundai Staria Fuel Cell will also launch in the second half of 2023, offering double the power of its predecessor. The BMW iX5, a hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain co-developed with Toyota, will also be coming to fleet service in select markets, including the U.S.
While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are available, there are challenges to their widespread adoption. The most significant challenge is the availability of hydrogen fuel. For example, while plans a decade ago called for California to have 100 hydrogen stations, the number is currently less than 60, and this number is not growing. Hydrogen fueling stations often face operational issues, and drivers rely on apps to map their fueling stops before venturing out.
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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are emission-free
The process of converting hydrogen into electricity is known as reverse electrolysis. Hydrogen from the fuel tank and oxygen from the ambient air react in the fuel cell, producing electrical energy, heat, and water vapour. This water vapour is then released through the exhaust, resulting in zero tailpipe emissions.
The driving experience of a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is similar to that of an electric car, with regenerative braking and a quiet, energy-efficient performance comparable to gasoline-powered cars. However, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have their own power plant on board, which means they do not rely on a built-in battery or external power source for charging.
While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are currently more expensive than conventional cars, leasing packages often include fuel, service, and maintenance, making the total cost of ownership more comparable. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles qualify for various incentives and rebates, such as California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which offers a $4,500 rebate for fuel cell cars.
Despite the emission-free benefits of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, critics argue that the wide-scale adoption of hydrogen-powered cars is unlikely in the near future due to the high cost and infrastructure challenges associated with building a nationwide network of hydrogen refuelling stations. However, some automotive manufacturers, such as Honda and Hyundai, continue to invest in and develop hydrogen fuel cell technology, with plans to introduce new models in the coming years.
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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are more expensive
Firstly, the fuel cell systems in these vehicles are complex and require a significant number of additional components compared to battery-based EVs. For example, a fuel cell drive train requires an air compressor or pump, a water de-ionizer, an expander for the hydrogen, and a transformer, among other components. The high-pressure and high-purity operating conditions of fuel cells also necessitate expensive materials that can withstand these extreme conditions.
Secondly, safety considerations play a role in increasing the cost of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Hydrogen is stored at high pressures (3,000+ PSI) and presents unique challenges in terms of safe transportation and refueling. The high-pressure tanks used in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are designed to withstand high-speed crashes without leaking or breaching, which adds to the cost of the system.
Additionally, the cost of hydrogen fuel itself is significantly higher than gasoline. In California, for example, hydrogen has retailed for approximately $14.00 per kilogram, equivalent to $14 per gallon of gasoline. While hydrogen advocates argue that the high fuel economy of fuel cell vehicles keeps fueling costs competitive, the high cost of hydrogen remains a barrier to its widespread adoption.
The limited availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure further contributes to the higher costs associated with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The development and maintenance of hydrogen refueling stations require substantial investments, and the thin infrastructure can lead to inconveniences and additional costs for drivers.
While the lifetime cost of ownership for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has decreased in recent years, it remains higher than that of comparable gasoline vehicles and EVs. However, with advancements in technology and potential future reductions in hydrogen production costs, there is optimism that the cost of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will become more competitive in the long run.
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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are hard to fuel
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are related to electric cars but have some pros and cons that make them very different. One of the most challenging disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is the availability of hydrogen fuel. Unlike electric vehicles, which can be charged at home or at widely available charging stations, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles require access to hydrogen fuelling stations. As of 2024, California is the only U.S. state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations, and even there, the number of stations is less than 60, falling short of the 100 stations planned a decade ago.
The limited availability of hydrogen fuelling stations can make it inconvenient and challenging for drivers of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to find places to refuel their cars. This issue is further compounded by the fact that not all stations are online and available for fuelling at all times. Drivers often need to rely on apps like the Station Status report maintained by the California Fuel Cell Partnership to map their fuelling stops before venturing out.
Another factor contributing to the difficulty of fuelling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is the process of fuelling itself. While fuelling a hydrogen car can be done in about five minutes, similar to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, the process of aligning the heavy nozzle and sealing it properly so that the car and pump can communicate electronically can require some practice and familiarity.
Furthermore, the cost of fuelling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be significant. In 2023, True Zero, California's largest hydrogen supplier, raised its price to $36/kg, which means that a full 5-kg refill in a Toyota Mirai, for example, could cost up to $180. This high cost of fuelling can be a deterrent for potential consumers considering hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer the advantage of zero emissions, with only water vapour emitted from the exhaust pipe, the challenges associated with fuelling these vehicles, including limited fuelling infrastructure, the learning curve for proper fuelling, and the high cost of hydrogen fuel, contribute to the perception that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are hard to fuel compared to their electric or conventional internal combustion engine counterparts.
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Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are the future
One of the main advantages of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is their convenience for long-distance travel. Refuelling with hydrogen takes a similar amount of time as refuelling with gasoline and offers a range of 300 to 400 miles. In comparison, electric vehicles can take much longer to charge and often have a shorter range. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a similar driving experience to traditional vehicles, with no transmission and regenerative braking.
However, one of the biggest challenges for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is the availability of hydrogen fuel. While California has the most extensive hydrogen network in the United States, with 59 stations, the reliability of these stations has been an issue. Stations often run out of fuel, and the cost of hydrogen has been increasing. Additionally, the production of hydrogen currently relies on fossil fuels, which can result in greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite these challenges, there is still optimism about the future of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Automakers are investing in hydrogen technology and developing prototypes, and governments and energy companies are working to increase access to hydrogen. With improvements in infrastructure and advancements in technology, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles could become a more viable option for consumers in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel cell cars are already out, but they are not widely available. As of 2021, there were only two models of fuel cell cars publicly available in select markets: the Toyota Mirai (2014–present) and the Hyundai Nexo (2018–present).
Some examples of fuel cell cars include the Toyota Mirai, the Hyundai Nexo, the Honda Clarity (2016-2021), and the Honda CR-V e:FCEV (available for lease only in 2024).
Fuel cell cars, also known as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs), are powered by an electric motor and produce electricity themselves. Hydrogen reacts with oxygen in a process known as reverse electrolysis, producing electrical energy, heat, and water vapour. This electricity then powers the electric motor directly or charges a battery for temporary storage.
