Mercedes Mullins
Fuel cell cars, also known as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCV) or fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), are a type of electric vehicle that uses a fuel cell to power its onboard electric motor. Unlike traditional electric vehicles, which are powered by large batteries that need to be recharged, fuel cell cars generate their own electricity using hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air. This process, known as reverse electrolysis, produces electricity to power the car and results in zero tailpipe emissions, with the only waste product being water vapour. While fuel cell cars are currently more expensive and less common than electric vehicles, they offer several advantages such as shorter refuelling times, longer ranges, and higher energy efficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel cell vehicles run on | Hydrogen gas |
| Fuel cell vehicles are | Electric vehicles |
| Fuel cell vehicles are also known as | FCVs |
| Fuel cell vehicles can be refuelled | In about 5 minutes |
| Fuel cell vehicles have a driving range of | 250-300 miles |
| Fuel cell vehicles are available in | California, Florida, Canada, South Korea, Europe, Japan, Southern California, New York, Vancouver |
| Fuel cell vehicles are manufactured by | Honda, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet, Hyundai, GM, Opel, Vauxhall, CRRC TRC, Alstom, Element One, Zero Emission Racing Team, Forze, Buckeye, Concept GreenGT, and more |
| Fuel cell vehicles have | Zero emissions |
| Fuel cell vehicles can be | Cars, buses, trucks, boats, forklifts, and more |
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What You'll Learn
California is the only state with a network of hydrogen fuelling stations
Fuel cell cars are electric vehicles that use a fuel cell, in combination with a small battery, to power their onboard electric motor. Hydrogen is stored in the vehicle's tank and used to produce electricity to power the car. This electricity then powers the car's electric motor. The only waste produced is pure water, and the tailpipe emissions are zero.
While fuel cell cars are available for sale or lease by major automakers, they are much rarer than electric vehicles. As of mid-2022, there were 17,000 or fewer hydrogen-powered vehicles on U.S. roads. California is the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations, so all of these cars will be found there. California also has a Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which offers a $4,500 rebate ($7,500 for income-qualified purchasers) for fuel cell car owners.
The benefits of fuel cell cars include their quietness, energy efficiency, and performance comparable to gasoline-powered cars. They can also be refuelled as quickly as a standard car's gas tank and have a range of 300-400 miles. However, they are more expensive than comparable conventional cars, and hydrogen is more expensive than gasoline.
The development of fuel cell cars has faced some challenges. In 2024, Mirai owners filed a class-action lawsuit in California over the lack of availability of hydrogen for fuel cell electric cars. Additionally, most automobile companies have switched their focus to battery-electric vehicles due to declining battery costs and the increasing range of EVs. Despite these challenges, fuel cell technology continues to be of interest, especially for applications where low noise, low thermal signature, and high altitude are important, such as in the military and aviation industries.
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Honda, Hyundai and Toyota have offered hydrogen-powered cars for sale
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) are powered by a fuel-cell stack in which pure hydrogen passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen from the air, producing electricity and water vapour. They are equipped with advanced technologies such as regenerative braking systems that capture energy during braking and store it in a battery. HFCVs can be refuelled in about five minutes and have a driving range of over 300 miles.
Since 2015, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota have offered hydrogen-powered cars for sale: the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the Hyundai Nexo SUV, and the Toyota Mirai, respectively. The Mirai, launched in 2014, was one of the first mass-produced hydrogen cars on the market. It is currently in its second generation, which was introduced around 2020, and is the best-selling hydrogen car in the US. Honda is also selling the CR-V e:FCEV, a plug-in hybrid SUV, while Hyundai is building a new hydrogen fuel cell plant in South Korea, which will open in 2028.
While hydrogen-powered vehicles are much rarer than electric vehicles, they are gaining traction as a complementary alternative to battery-electric technology. They are seen as sustainable and eco-friendly, with quick refuelling times and zero emissions. However, hydrogen cars have faced challenges with refuelling infrastructure, and there have been concerns about the fluctuating cost of hydrogen and the closure of filling stations.
As of mid-2022, there were 17,000 or fewer hydrogen-powered vehicles on US roads, all of them in California, the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations. Toyota has offered hydrogen fuel credits with the purchase or lease of a Mirai in California, amounting to around USD $15,000 worth of fuel over three years.
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Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles can be refuelled in five minutes
Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) are powered by a fuel-cell stack in which pure hydrogen passes through a membrane to combine with oxygen from the air, producing electricity to turn the wheels, as well as water vapour. This is why they are sometimes classified as fuel-cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEVs).
One of the key advantages of HFCVs over battery-electric vehicles is their quick refuelling time. HFCVs can be refuelled in just five minutes, a similar time to refuelling a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle. This makes them ideal for long-haul transportation, where frequent refuelling stops can be time-consuming and costly.
In California, the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations, drivers can refuel their HFCVs at existing gas stations and receive up to three years of free fuel. The development of high-flow-rate hydrogen fuelling systems is also underway, with the aim of competing with conventional fuelling times for diesel vehicles (around 10 minutes).
While HFCVs offer a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation option, they are much rarer than electric vehicles due to the lack of widespread refuelling infrastructure. Building a network of hydrogen refuelling stations is costly and complex, but it is essential for the widespread adoption of HFCVs. As the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure expands, we can expect to see more HFCVs on the roads, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
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The Honda CR-V e:FCEV will only be available in California
The Honda CR-V e:FCEV is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) that uses electric motors to turn its wheels. Unlike battery-electric cars, it is powered by a fuel cell stack that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity. This process only releases water vapour as a by-product, making it a zero-emission vehicle.
The Honda CR-V e:FCEV is currently only available in California, the sole state in the US with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations. California has about 50 hydrogen fuelling stations, mostly concentrated in a triangle between Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. Honda has added a 17.7-kWh battery to the vehicle, which can be plugged in and charged, providing an EPA-rated 29 miles of range and reducing the vehicle's reliance on hydrogen fuelling alone.
The Honda CR-V e:FCEV is designed to provide approximately 29 miles of battery-powered range when fully charged, making it ideal for short trips and city driving. The vehicle can be charged at home or at a charging station, offering flexibility and convenience. It also has HondaLink®, a feature that helps locate the nearest approved hydrogen fuelling and EV charging stations, providing mapping directions to the driver.
The Honda CR-V e:FCEV is an innovative, emission-free vehicle that combines a cutting-edge fuel cell module with battery plug-in charging. It offers the flexibility of emission-free electric driving or hydrogen fuelling, making it a unique and environmentally friendly option for consumers in California.
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Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are safe
Secondly, hydrogen fuel-cell technology has been thoroughly tested and proven to be safe. Hydrogen fuel cells use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity through a controlled reaction, and the hydrogen is stored in thick-walled tanks, which are specifically designed to prevent leaks and withstand high-speed crashes. Numerous crash tests have validated the safety of this design, and there have been no reports of serious incidents involving hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
Moreover, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are considered to be as safe as any other car on the road. They meet the same rigorous safety standards as traditional vehicles and battery-electric vehicles. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, alternative-fueled vehicles, including hydrogen fuel-cell and battery-powered electric cars, are not more hazardous than conventional cars.
While some people may have concerns about the safety of transporting and refuelling hydrogen, the industrial sector has been safely transporting hydrogen for decades. Refuelling stations are also equipped with sensors to monitor for leaks, ensuring that the process is well-controlled and secure.
Lastly, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles offer significant environmental benefits by producing zero local emissions. While the production of hydrogen can lead to pollution, renewable sources of hydrogen are increasingly being used, reducing the environmental impact even further. Overall, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly, making them a promising alternative to traditional combustion engines.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel cell cars have been available in the US since 2002. In 2002, the Toyota FCHV and Honda FCX became the world's first government-certified commercial fuel cell vehicles, available to lease in the US and Japan. In 2003, the Ford Focus FCV was leased in California, Florida and Canada, and the Nissan X-Trail FCV was leased to businesses and government entities in California and Japan. In 2005, the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell was leased around the world, and in 2007, the Chevrolet Equinox FC was leased in California and New York. In 2008, Honda established the world's first fuel cell vehicle dealer network, and the Honda FCX Clarity was introduced for leasing by customers in Japan and Southern California. In 2014, the Hyundai ix35 FCEV was available for lease in California. In 2024, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV became available for lease in very limited quantities.
Outside of the US, fuel cell cars have been available in Japan, South Korea, Europe, and Vancouver.
Fuel cell cars are not yet widely available to the public. In 2020, only three car makers were still manufacturing, or had active manufacturing programs for, hydrogen cars. However, major automobile manufacturers are offering a limited but growing number of production FCEVs to the public in certain markets.
