Mercedes Mullins
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are an alternative zero-emission solution to battery electric cars (BEVs). However, they are struggling to take off, with sales in the US decreasing by 19% in 2022. Despite this, over 56,000 hydrogen fuel cell passenger vehicles were sold worldwide by the end of 2022, and automakers such as Honda, BMW, Renault, and Jaguar Land Rover are planning to enter the market.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen fuel cell cars sales in 2022 | Decreased by 19% year-over-year |
| Number of FCVs sold in 2022 | 3,341 |
| Total number of FCVs sold | Over 56,000 |
| Number of FCVs sold in the US in Q4 2022 | 720 |
| Number of FCVs sold in the US since 2013 | 15,000 |
| Number of FCVs sold in California in 2022 | 2,094 |
| Automakers offering FCVs | Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, BMW, Renault, Jaguar Land Rover |
| FCV models | Mirai, Nexo Fuel Cell, CR-V crossover, Fuel Cell Scenic Vision |
| Countries with most automakers entering the FCV market | China |
| Number of public hydrogen fuelling stations in the US | 55 |
| Number of public EV charging stations in the US | ~51,000 |
| Cost of green hydrogen per kg | $4.40 |
| Fuel cost of green hydrogen per mile | 21.6 cents |
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What You'll Learn
Hydrogen fuel cell cars in California
Hydrogen fuel cell cars are zero-emission vehicles that run on electricity created from a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. They are an alternative to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and are known for their quick refuelling times and impressive performance. Despite their advantages, sales of hydrogen fuel cell cars in California and the rest of the United States have been struggling. In 2022, sales decreased by 19% year-over-year, with only two models available in California: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo.
The limited number of models and the lack of refuelling infrastructure are significant challenges for the growth of hydrogen fuel cell car sales in California. There are currently very few public hydrogen fuelling stations in the state, with drivers in Marin County relying on a single station. However, the California Energy Commission is working to address this issue by investing in an initial network of 100 public hydrogen stations across the state. This initiative is part of California's commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and improving air quality.
The cost of hydrogen fuel is another factor impacting the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell cars in California. While the price is expected to decrease as more retail stations open, it is currently higher than the price of gasoline. To encourage the use of hydrogen fuel cell cars, automakers are offering free fuel for three years, and Toyota is providing a $15,000 fuel card for the Mirai.
Despite the challenges, hydrogen fuel cell technology has its supporters. Advocates argue that it is a good fit for heavy-duty trucks, where batteries can be too heavy and charging times too long. Toyota is already working on a fuel cell Class 8 truck, with prototypes operating in Southern California. While it may be too late for hydrogen fuel cell cars to catch up to EV sales, a mix of EVs and hydrogen vehicles could ultimately prove to be a cost-effective solution for reducing emissions.
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The Hyundai Nexo
The Nexo offers two trim levels: Blue and Limited. The base Blue trim includes features such as navigation, a digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, and assistance technology like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision avoidance. The Limited trim adds a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, an extra-large sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, a 360-degree camera, a remote parking feature, and an upgraded audio system. The Limited trim also has a slightly lower range of 354 miles compared to the Blue trim's 380 miles. The Nexo's 95-kW fuel-cell stack and 40-kWh battery pack power an electric motor rated at 161 horsepower with 291 pound-feet of torque.
In terms of performance, the Nexo delivers a zero-to-60-mph speed of 8.4 seconds, which is quicker than the Mirai. Its electrically assisted steering is tuned for a light but steady feel. The Nexo also has impressive braking capabilities, stopping from 70 mph in 169 feet, outperforming the Toyota Mirai.
The price of the 2024 Hyundai Nexo is expected to start around $62,000 and can go up to $65,000 depending on the trim and options chosen. It is important to note that the Nexo and other hydrogen fuel cell cars face the challenge of a limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, with the Nexo currently only being sold in California due to the availability of hydrogen fueling stations.
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The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
The FCX Clarity, the predecessor to the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, was produced in Japan and based on the 2006 Honda FCX Concept. The FCX Clarity was available as a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle and offered five-minute refueling times and long-range capabilities in a full-function large sedan. The vehicle was first unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, and production began in June 2008, with leasing options available in the US. The FCX Clarity's electrical power comes from a 100 kW Honda Vertical Flow (V Flow) hydrogen fuel cell stack, and it has a range of 390 km (240 mi) on a full hydrogen tank.
In 2021, Honda announced that production of the Clarity Fuel Cell would end, and the model was discontinued in 2021 due to poor sales. However, US leases for the fuel cell variant continued through 2022. Honda has stated that it plans to offer a hydrogen fuel cell CR-V crossover starting in 2024, replacing the poorly selling Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.
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The Toyota Mirai
The Mirai was first released for retail sales in California in October 2015, with deliveries to customers beginning the same month. The Mirai was priced at $57,500 before any government incentives. In August 2018, a Mirai was refuelled in Australia using hydrogen separated from ammonia with a membrane technology. The second-generation Mirai was announced in October 2019, and released in 2021. This new model was based on the rear-wheel-drive TNGA platform and was longer, wider, and lower than the first-generation model.
The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell and hybrid technology. The TFCS is more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines and emits no CO2 or substances of concern when driven. The Mirai can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 9 seconds and has a passing time of 3 seconds from 25 to 40 mph. The Mirai has a range of 300 miles on a full tank, and refueling takes between 3 and 5 minutes.
The Mirai has undergone extensive testing to ensure the safety and durability of its hydrogen tanks. In 2017, Toyota began testing two Mirai fuel cells in an electric Class 8 semi-trailer truck as part of Project Portal. The Mirai has also been driven 62,000 miles in 107 days on different roads in Hamburg, using just over one tonne of hydrogen.
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The future of fuel cell cars
One of the main challenges facing the widespread adoption of fuel cell cars is the limited number of models available. In California, for example, there are only two models available: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo. The high price of fuel cell cars, their overall energy inefficiency, and the lack of refuelling infrastructure are also hindering their growth.
However, some experts believe that hydrogen vehicles still have a role to play in the future of transportation. Hydrogen is an efficient energy storage and transportation method, particularly for regions that cannot meet all their energy needs with renewable sources. Hydrogen fuel cells are also well-suited for heavy-duty trucks, where large batteries can reduce load capacity and long charging times are impractical. Toyota, for instance, is working with Kenworth to develop a fuel cell Class 8 truck.
The expansion of hydrogen infrastructure, with more refuelling stations and production facilities, could make fuel cell vehicles more accessible and attractive to consumers. According to a report by OneH2, the fuel cell vehicle market is expected to reach $42.04 billion by 2026, indicating potential growth and widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology.
While the future of fuel cell cars is uncertain, ongoing advancements and increasing adoption of sustainable transportation could make them a viable option for reducing emissions and enhancing performance in the years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda are the main automakers selling fuel cell cars. Toyota's model is the Mirai, Hyundai sells the Nexo Fuel Cell, and Honda is planning to re-enter the market with a new model based on its Honda CR-V in 2024. BMW, Renault, and Jaguar Land Rover are also planning to enter the market in the future.
Fuel cell cars are available in California, and to a much more limited extent, the rest of the US. Outside of the US, sales have been concentrated in Europe and Asia.
Over 56,000 fuel cell cars have been sold worldwide as of the end of 2022. In the US, there are around 15,000 fuel cell cars on the road.
Fuel cell cars are less popular than electric vehicles due to a variety of issues, including the price of the car, overall energy efficiency, and the lack of refueling infrastructure.
