Ameer Randolph
Hydrogen-fuelled cars are an alternative to electric vehicles, offering a zero-emissions mode of transport that emits only water vapour. Hydrogen vehicles are powered by an electric motor, but unlike electric cars, they produce their own electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack. This electricity can also be used to charge a battery that acts as temporary storage until the energy is needed for driving. While hydrogen cars have been touted as the future of passenger automobiles, they are yet to become mainstream due to economic factors and the lack of refuelling infrastructure. As of 2021, there were only two models of hydrogen cars publicly available: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo. These cars are available in select markets, mainly California, which has a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen vehicle availability | As of 2021, there were two models of hydrogen cars publicly available in select markets: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo. |
| Hydrogen vehicle manufacturers | Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, and BMW |
| Hydrogen vehicle models | Honda CR-V e:FCEV, Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, Hyundai Nexo SUV, Toyota Mirai, BMW iX5 Hydrogen |
| Hydrogen vehicle refueling time | Less than five minutes |
| Hydrogen vehicle refueling locations | As of 2024, there are 55 public hydrogen fueling station locations in the U.S., almost exclusively in California |
| Hydrogen vehicle emissions | Water vapor, zero harmful tailpipe emissions |
| Hydrogen vehicle performance | Smooth, quiet, and peaceful to drive |
| Hydrogen vehicle refueling infrastructure | Expensive to build and maintain |
| Hydrogen vehicle production challenges | High carbon emissions when hydrogen is produced from natural gas, capital cost burden, high energy inputs in production and transportation, low energy content per unit volume at ambient temperatures, production and compression of hydrogen |
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen-powered cars in California
California is the only US state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations, making it the only place in the country where hydrogen-powered cars are usable. The state has invested in hydrogen fuelling infrastructure to support the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As of 2023, there are around 65 hydrogen fuelling stations in California, with 20 of them in Los Angeles County. The state plans to further expand this network, with a goal of 100 stations.
Despite the expansion of fuelling infrastructure, the demand for hydrogen-powered cars in California remains low. In 2023, there were only about 12,000 hydrogen-powered cars in the state, compared to over 760,000 battery-powered cars. Sales of hydrogen-powered cars have been sluggish, with only two models available for sale: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo. In 2024, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV became available for lease in very limited quantities, adding to the small number of hydrogen-powered cars on California's roads.
The low demand for hydrogen-powered cars in California can be attributed to several factors. One reason is the competition with battery-electric vehicles, which have become increasingly popular and dominated the market. Additionally, there are concerns about the high carbon emissions associated with hydrogen production, especially when derived from natural gas. The process of producing and storing hydrogen can result in energy losses, making it less efficient than directly using electricity to power vehicles.
Despite the low demand and challenges associated with hydrogen-powered cars, California continues to invest in fuelling infrastructure and support the development of this technology. This is because hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles offer several advantages, such as quick refuelling times of less than five minutes and zero tailpipe emissions, producing only water vapour. California's support for hydrogen-powered cars aligns with the state's goals of reducing emissions, improving air quality, and achieving its climate change targets.
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Hydrogen cars vs electric vehicles
Hydrogen cars and electric vehicles (EVs) are both zero-emissions vehicles, but they differ in several key ways.
Hydrogen cars are fuelled by hydrogen fuel cells, which use hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity as the car moves. The electricity produced is stored in a battery, which powers the electric motor that moves the wheels. Refuelling a hydrogen car takes only a few minutes and provides a driving range of 400 to 600 miles, depending on the tank size. However, hydrogen cars are expensive, with a higher lifetime cost of ownership compared to EVs, and the production of hydrogen can be energy-intensive and reliant on non-renewable sources. Additionally, there is a lack of infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling stations, making hydrogen cars less accessible.
On the other hand, EVs are powered by electric current stored in lithium-ion batteries. They have gained popularity in recent years due to their advanced infrastructure and charging stations, and governments worldwide are investing in their development. EVs are also more affordable than hydrogen cars, and the cost of recharging the batteries is convenient. However, EVs may have shorter driving ranges and longer recharging times compared to hydrogen cars.
The advantages of hydrogen cars include their long driving range and quick refuelling time. Hydrogen is also a good energy carrier due to its strong propensity to bind with other elements. However, the production and transportation of hydrogen can be challenging due to its small molecule size, and the cost of building a nationwide network of hydrogen refuelling stations would be prohibitive.
EVs, on the other hand, benefit from their advanced infrastructure and widespread charging stations. They are also more affordable and have gained popularity in recent years. However, EVs may face challenges in terms of range and recharge time, and the production of batteries can still contribute to emissions.
In conclusion, both hydrogen cars and EVs offer advantages and disadvantages. Hydrogen cars provide a longer driving range and faster refuelling but are more expensive and lack the necessary infrastructure. EVs are more affordable and have better infrastructure but may have shorter ranges and longer recharging times. The decision between the two depends on various factors, including cost, convenience, and environmental considerations.
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Hydrogen fuel production
Hydrogen fuel technology has the potential to drive sustainability and carbon reduction in many industries. However, the scalability of hydrogen fuel production depends on high standards that control for media leakage and ensure safe operation. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of sources and through different methods. The two most common methods for producing hydrogen are steam-methane reforming and electrolysis.
Steam-methane reforming, also known as natural gas reforming, is a thermal process that uses high-temperature steam (1,300°F to 1,800°F) under high pressure to react with methane in the presence of a catalyst. This process produces hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and a small amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). It is the most common method of hydrogen production today, with about 95% of all hydrogen being produced through this method.
Electrolysis is a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current. It is commonly used in science classes to demonstrate chemical reactions and hydrogen production. On a commercial scale, this process may be referred to as power-to-gas, where power is electricity and hydrogen is gas. Electrolysis itself does not produce any byproducts or emissions other than hydrogen and oxygen. The electricity for electrolysis currently comes from a mix of renewable sources, nuclear energy, and fossil fuels.
Other methods of hydrogen production include solar-driven and biological processes. Solar-driven processes use light as the agent for hydrogen production, with a few different techniques, including photobiological, photoelectrochemical, and solar thermochemical. Photobiological processes use the natural photosynthetic activity of bacteria and green algae to produce hydrogen, while photoelectrochemical processes use specialized semiconductors to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. Solar thermochemical hydrogen production uses concentrated solar power to drive water-splitting reactions. Biological processes use microbes such as bacteria and microalgae to produce hydrogen through biological reactions and microbial biomass conversion.
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Hydrogen refueling stations
As of 2021, there were two models of hydrogen cars publicly available in select markets: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo. In 2024, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV became available for lease only in very limited quantities. Despite the small number of hydrogen-powered vehicles available, the infrastructure to support them is even more limited.
California is the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fueling stations, and even there, the number of stations is less than 60, rather than the 100 that were planned. Shell recently closed its seven hydrogen stations in the state, further reducing the number of refueling options for hydrogen car owners.
The challenge of building out a nationwide network of hydrogen refueling stations is a significant hurdle for the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Robert Zubrin, the author of Energy Victory, has argued that the cost of building the necessary infrastructure would be prohibitive. The production of hydrogen also presents challenges, as most hydrogen is currently produced through steam methane reformation, which creates carbon emissions.
However, research interest in hydrogen refueling stations is growing, with a focus on equipment and technology innovation, station layout, and performance investigation. Despite the challenges, hydrogen refueling stations are key to supporting the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
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Hydrogen car models
Hydrogen-powered vehicles include road vehicles, rail vehicles, space rockets, forklifts, ships, and aircraft. The first road vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell was the Chevrolet Electrovan, introduced by General Motors in 1966. The world's first government-certified commercial hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were the Toyota FCHV and Honda FCX, which began leasing in 2002. The Honda FCX Clarity, which began leasing in 2008, was the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle designed for mass production.
Since 2015, three hydrogen-powered cars have been offered for sale from three different car companies: the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the Hyundai Nexo SUV, and the Toyota Mirai. However, Honda has now ended production of all Clarity models, and Hyundai has sold only about 1,600 Nexo SUVs in six years. In 2024, Honda 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. It is only available for lease in California.
The Toyota Mirai, launched in 2014, was the world's first dedicated mass-produced fuel cell vehicle. It has a range of 312 miles and takes about five minutes to refill its hydrogen tank. The car was initially priced at around $69,000, and by the end of 2019, Toyota had sold over 10,000 Mirais.
Other hydrogen fuel cell vehicles include the 2008 Element One, an American fuel cell-powered race vehicle built for the 2008 Formula Zero Championship, and the 2002 Ford Focus FCV, which was leased in California, Florida, and Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
Hydrogen-fuelled cars are available in very limited quantities in the US, almost exclusively in California. Outside of the US, hydrogen-powered cars are available in select markets in the UK and Germany.
Hydrogen-fuelled cars are not widely available due to economic reasons and the lack of infrastructure for hydrogen refuelling stations. Hydrogen-powered cars are also in competition with battery-electric vehicles, which are more common.
Toyota, Hyundai, and BMW currently produce hydrogen-fuelled cars. Honda also offered hydrogen-fuelled cars in the past but has since discontinued production.
Hydrogen-fuelled cars have a long range on a single refuelling and only emit water vapour. They are also smooth, quiet, and peaceful to drive.
