With the advent of greener, more sustainable modes of transportation during the past ten years, the automotive industry has undergone a tremendous shift. The development of hydrogen car, which present a possible substitute for electric cars, has been one of the most intriguing innovations. The impact of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles during the past ten years will be explained in this article, along with the main differences between hydrogen and electric vehicles. Naturally, we’ll attempt to add some humor as well.
How does a hydrogen car work?
When hydrogen and oxygen interact chemically, electricity is created, which is how a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle operates. This electricity drives the motor of the car. The fuel cell mixes hydrogen with airborne oxygen from a high-pressure tank that is housed inside the vehicle. Aside from producing water as a byproduct that is released through the car’s tailpipe, the reaction creates electricity. The car’s battery is recharged and the motor is powered by the electricity generated by the fuel cell. This procedure offers a possible substitute for conventional gas-powered automobiles because it is extremely effective and emits no harmful emissions.
First Hydrogen fuelled Car for Public:
The first hydrogen fuel cell used in cars was developed in the 1960s which is the Electrovan from General Motors, but it wasn’t until the late 1990s that the technology began to be tested in actual vehicles. The first production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle was the Toyota FCHV (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle), which was released in Japan in 2002 became the world’s first government-certified commercial hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Since then, other car manufacturers have also released hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including Honda, Hyundai, and Mercedes-Benz. However, these vehicles are still relatively rare compared to gas-powered and electric vehicles due to limited infrastructure for producing and distributing hydrogen fuel.
The Rise of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
Vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells have steadily gained in popularity over the past ten years. Before, fuel cells were thought of as a specialized technology, but now they are more widely available and less expensive for the average consumer. The Honda FCX Clarity was the first hydrogen fuel cell car to go on sale, and the Toyota Mirai followed in 2014.
The number of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles on the road has constantly increased despite the technology’s relative youth. Global registrations of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles increased from just 1,100 in 2014 to around 11,200 in 2019. The majority of these cars are in California, where 54 hydrogen fueling stations are now in operation in USA as of 2022. Across the world the greatest number of hydrogen fuel stations are in China with 250 stations followed by Japan at 161.
The environmental impact of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles is one of their main benefits. These cars are genuinely emission-free because the only waste they produce is water vapor. They are a better choice for long-distance travel because they also have a larger range than battery electric cars.
Electric Cars vs Hydrogen Cars
Let’s see some simple differences between Electric and Hydrogen Cars.
| Topic | Hydrogen Cars | Electric Cars |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Hydrogen gas | Electricity from batteries |
| Range | Longer range | Shorter range |
| Refueling/Recharging Time | Shorter refueling time | Longer recharging time |
| Infrastructure | Limited hydrogen infrastructure | Widely available electric charging infrastructure |
| Emissions | Zero emissions (only water vapor) | Zero emissions (if powered by renewable energy) |
Despite these variations, electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars both present a promising substitute for conventional gas-powered cars. In the end, the decision between the two technologies will be based on personal preferences and needs.
Who are the leading companies in Hydrogen Fueled Car manufacturing?
Toyota and Hyundai are the leading hydrogen fuel cell car manufacturers. Toyota’s first production hydrogen fueled car in 2002, the Toyota FCHV and still it is producing a commercially available car which runs on hydrogen as fuel, the 2023 Mirai. This car has a range of around 400-mile estimated range. Toyota is also currently working on a heavy duty hydrogen fueled truck made by Hyliko.
Toyota mentioned in February 2023 that “Another key application for Toyota’s second-generation hydrogen fuel cell modules! They are to be integrated into heavy-duty hydrogen-powered trucks made by Hyliko for the European market. The partnership with Hyliko marks another step towards TME’s vision for hydrogen ecosystems in Europe.“
The Hyundai Nexo, the company’s most recent model, offers a range of more than 380 miles and excellent safety features. Hyundai first introduced the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell in 2013. Hyundai is also spending money in South Korea to develop a hydrogen infrastructure.
Honda and General Motors are two additional businesses making investments in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Honda has produced the Clarity Fuel Cell, a hydrogen-powered car, while Chevrolet Colorado ZH2, a military vehicle, was created by General Motors. Additionally, some young businesses like Nikola Motors are creating trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
Although the technology is still in its infancy, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles show promise as a zero-emission substitute for conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. With large corporations like Toyota and Hyundai investing in the technology, it is likely that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will continue to advance and improve over the next few years.
The Future of Hydrogen and Electric Cars
Major automobile manufacturers, including Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda, are declaring plans to deliver new fuel cell vehicles in the future years, making hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles more accessible and reasonably priced. It is expected that both electric and hydrogen automobiles will have a significant impact on the transportation sector in the future.
As battery technology advances, electric vehicles are also anticipated to become more accessible and affordable. Governments all across the world are also putting policies into place to promote the use of electric vehicles, such as tax breaks and subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles.
The hydrogen fuel car’s market share would be USD 43.2 billion by 2031 with CAGR of 45.5%
Individual requirements and tastes will ultimately determine whether hydrogen or electric vehicles are preferred. While hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles have longer range and quicker refueling times, they currently cost more than battery electric vehicles because they need specialized fueling stations. Also, the storage of liquid hydrogen fuel required tanks inside the car which makes it heavier. The infrastructure for battery electric vehicles is more developed, and they are typically more economical. However, their ranges are limited, and their charging durations are lengthy.
Over the last decade, we’ve seen significant advancements in both hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. While each technology has its own strengths and weaknesses, they both offer a promising alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles. As we continue to invest in cleaner and more sustainable forms of transportation, it will be interesting to see how these technologies continue to evolve and compete with one another. And who knows, maybe in a few years we’ll have flying cars powered by solar panels and unicorn tears! (Pun intended)
