Katerina Swanson
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are vehicles that use hydrogen gas, stored in a tank on the vehicle, to power an electric motor. Hydrogen fuel cell technology has been touted as a zero-emissions solution, with water vapour as the only tailpipe emission. While some have dismissed the technology as too costly for mass-market consumer cars, major automakers such as Toyota, Honda, BMW, and Audi are investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology and vehicles. Toyota's Mirai, for example, has found 5,000 buyers since its introduction in 2015, and Honda has nearly 1,100 Clarity Fuel Cell vehicles on US roads. With growing interest in hydrogen power and improvements in the technology, hydrogen fuel cell cars may play a significant role in the alternative-fuel fleet in the coming years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companies making hydrogen fuel cell cars | Honda, Toyota, BMW, Audi, Daimler, Volvo |
| Hydrogen fuel cell cars | Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, Toyota Mirai, BMW X5 SUV |
| Hydrogen fuel cell technology | Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) |
| FCEV refueling time | About 5 minutes |
| FCEV driving range | 250-350 miles |
| FCEV refueling infrastructure | TrueZero fueling station in Mill Valley, California |
| FCEV refueling cost | $10 per kilogram |
| FCEV emissions | Water vapour |
| FCEV safety innovations | Multi-patented, carbon-fibre-wrapped, polymer-lined hydrogen tanks |
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What You'll Learn
Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). It was first introduced in 2015 and is now in its second generation. The Mirai runs on hydrogen and combines it with oxygen from the outside air to generate power, with water vapour as the only by-product. This is achieved through a chemical reaction in the fuel cell stack, which creates electricity to power the electric motor. The Mirai's electric motor was relocated from the front to the rear of the car in 2021, making it rear-wheel drive.
The Mirai is currently only available in California, British Columbia, and Quebec, as these are the only places with a reasonable number of hydrogen fuelling stations. Toyota has said that it expects sales to increase as more fuelling stations open. The company has also applied for California feasibility studies for its hydrogen fuel cell-powered semi-trailer trucks.
The Mirai has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety, including hot and cold testing, steep grade hill climbs, and high-altitude trips. Its hydrogen tanks are made of carbon fibre and are designed to be safe and durable in a crash. In the event of a leak or collision, the system automatically shuts the tank's hydrogen output valve to prevent more hydrogen from escaping.
The Mirai offers a range of advanced features, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated and power-adjustable seats, keyless entry, and a sleek and modern design. It also includes Toyota's innovative Human Machine Interface (HMI), which heightens interaction through sight, touch, and voice activation. The Mirai's craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in its low, wide, and long stance, as well as its premium aluminium alloy wheels.
The Mirai provides a unique fuel-cell electric powertrain that sets it apart from most other electric vehicles on the market. It uses an onboard fuel cell to convert hydrogen gas into electricity, making it more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines and emitting no CO2 or harmful substances when driven. The Mirai also has an impressive driving range, estimated at up to 402 miles per fill-up of hydrogen.
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Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
Honda has made a significant commitment to hydrogen fuel cell technology. The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is a hydrogen-powered car first unveiled at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. It was initially made available to California residents in proximity to a hydrogen fuelling station in 2016. The Clarity Fuel Cell is an electric vehicle that uses a hydrogen fuel cell as its primary power source. The electricity supplied by the fuel cell and the hybrid-like storage battery powers an electric motor that drives the front wheels. The storage battery is designed to enhance efficiency by capturing free kinetic energy during deceleration and regenerative braking.
The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell has an exceptionally stylish exterior, innovative heat-blocking windows, and a spacious interior. The powertrain is small enough to fit under the hood, allowing room in the cabin for five occupants. The car's upholstery is made with Honda's plant-derived Bio-Fabric, and it features smart engineering, combining ultra-high-strength steel with aluminium body panels to make the vehicle lighter and stronger. The Clarity Fuel Cell also has ultra-thin, full LED headlights and heated side mirrors for improved visibility.
The FCX Clarity, the predecessor to the Clarity Fuel Cell, was produced in Japan and was the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle available to retail customers. It was based on the 2006 Honda FCX Concept and was only available as a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle. The FCX Clarity had a range of 390 km (240 mi) on a full hydrogen tank and offered five-minute refuelling times and long-range capabilities in a full-function large sedan. It featured an AM-FM car radio with CD player, integration for iPod and iPhone, a USB port, auxiliary input, a voice-activated GPS navigation system, and more.
The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is part of a growing number of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offered by major automobile manufacturers. Honda has teamed up with Toyota and a subsidiary of Shell Oil to build new hydrogen fuelling stations in California.
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Hydrogen production methods
Hydrogen can be produced from diverse, domestic resources, including fossil fuels, biomass, and water through electrolysis using electricity. The environmental impact and energy efficiency of hydrogen depend on how it is produced and in what type of vehicle it is used.
The two most common methods for producing hydrogen are steam-methane reforming and electrolysis (splitting water with electricity). Steam-methane reforming accounts for nearly all commercially produced hydrogen in the United States. Commercial hydrogen producers and petroleum refineries use steam-methane reforming to separate hydrogen atoms from carbon atoms in methane (CH4). In steam-methane reforming, high-temperature steam (1,300°F to 1,800°F) under 3 bar–25 bar pressure reacts with methane in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and a relatively small amount of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Electrolysis is commonly used in high school science classes to demonstrate chemical reactions and hydrogen production. On a large, commercial scale, the 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 is currently provided by the electric power grid, which is supplied with a mix of renewable sources, nuclear energy, and fossil fuels.
Several other hydrogen production methods are in development. Thermochemical water splitting uses high temperatures generated by solar concentrators or nuclear reactors to drive chemical reactions that split water to produce hydrogen. Photobiological water splitting uses microbes, such as green algae, that consume water in the presence of sunlight and produce hydrogen as a byproduct. Photoelectrochemical water splitting uses photoelectrochemical systems to produce hydrogen from water using special semiconductors and energy from sunlight.
Direct solar water splitting, or photolytic, processes use light energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. These processes are currently in various early stages of research but offer long-term potential for hydrogen production with low environmental impact.
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Hydrogen refueling infrastructure
The establishment and expansion of hydrogen refueling infrastructure is a complex and costly endeavor. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in the United States has recognized this challenge and provided funding to support the development of Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs). These hubs will accelerate the deployment of low-cost, clean hydrogen infrastructure, with a focus on production, storage, distribution, and end-use networks. California, a leader in hydrogen infrastructure development, has approved a hydrogen hub with $1.2 billion in federal funding, expected to generate an additional $11.2 billion in private investments.
The importance of hydrogen refueling infrastructure is also recognized by automobile manufacturers, who are actively involved in the development of these stations. Honda and Toyota, for example, have partnered with a subsidiary of Shell Oil to construct new hydrogen fueling stations in California. This collaboration has already resulted in the completion of two stations, with five more in progress, and the company is advocating for additional stations in the Northeastern United States.
As the market for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles expands, the need for a comprehensive hydrogen refueling infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. The development of these stations is a key factor in the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology and the realization of its environmental benefits. Initiatives such as the National Alternative Fuels Corridors grant program, established by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, aim to address the challenge of providing reasonably priced hydrogen fueling options in areas where FCEVs will be deployed.
Safety is another crucial aspect of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. Organizations like the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office work to ensure the safe use of hydrogen for transportation applications. Codes and standards are being developed and enhanced to address technical challenges and ensure the secure handling of hydrogen during refueling.
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Hydrogen vs. battery-powered cars
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are electric vehicles that use hydrogen and oxygen from the air to create electricity and power the electric motor. The electricity produced is stored in a battery, which powers the vehicle. Hydrogen fuel cell cars can be refuelled in just a few minutes and can travel for around 400 miles before the gas tank becomes empty. They are also considered safer than electric cars as they are equipped with hydrogen tanks that are built in a three-layer structure and can absorb five times the crash energy of steel.
Battery-powered electric vehicles, on the other hand, are powered by large arrays of lithium-ion battery cells called battery packs. These battery packs are charged by plugging into the electric grid. They are widely available and have a large number of users compared to hydrogen cars. Electric vehicles are also more affordable and require less maintenance due to their lack of moving parts. However, one of their biggest drawbacks is their limited range compared to the time it takes to recharge their batteries.
In terms of popularity, battery-powered electric vehicles are the clear winner. Over a million electric cars were sold in the US last year, compared to just under 3,000 hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars. However, this battle could be reignited with the recent boost in hydrogen production and the upcoming launch of hydrogen-fuelled versions of popular car models.
While both types of vehicles are environmentally friendly, hydrogen fuel cell cars are not as clean or efficient as battery-powered electric vehicles. Hydrogen production often involves natural gas, leading to CO2 emissions. Additionally, battery-powered electric vehicles have better-established infrastructure to support them, with governments investing in the development of charging stations.
In conclusion, while hydrogen fuel cell cars offer the advantage of faster refuelling and longer travel distances, battery-powered electric vehicles are currently more popular, affordable, and widely available. However, with advancements in technology and infrastructure, the future of sustainable transportation may see a shift towards hydrogen-powered cars.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the major automakers that have made hydrogen fuel cell cars include Toyota, Honda, BMW, and Audi.
Some examples of hydrogen fuel cell cars include the Toyota Mirai, Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, and the BMW X5 SUV prototype.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are currently available in limited quantities in certain markets, such as California in the United States.
Hydrogen fuel cell cars have a longer range (250-350 miles) and faster refuelling times compared to battery-powered electric vehicles. They are also true zero-emissions vehicles, producing only water vapour as a byproduct.
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