
According to experts on the automotive fuel market, the future fuel will belong to hydrogen fuel cells. They are an alternative to electric vehicle technology. The fuel cells are driven by an electric motor, unlike BEV (short for Battery Electric Vehicle). Hydrogen cars generate electricity themselves instead of using an in-built battery that recharges from external power sources like electric or plug-in hybrid cars powered by an in-built battery that recharges from external power sources. Hydrogen cars have their efficient power plant – a fuel cell (FCEV). In the case of fuel cell technology, there is a process called reverse electrolysis. In a fuel cell, hydrogen from one or more sources reacts with oxygen from the surrounding air, generating electricity which, depending on the needs, is directed to the electric motor and/or battery which charges until use, and produces heat and water that turns into steam as fumes.
Advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen-powered cars for users and the environment
Benefits are following:
• the drive is purely electric,
• driving resembles that of an ordinary electric car,
• hydrogen cars can recover braking energy like other electric cars,
• no engine noise as the fuel cell is purely electric,
• quick start,
• fast charging time (these cars are ready to drive again in less than 5 minutes, and for electric vehicles, the total charging time is from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the charging station and battery capacity),
• more extended range (a full tank is enough for about 480km (300 miles) than pure electric cars – they are independent of temperature (they do not spoil in cold weather),
• use of renewable energy,
• Hydrogen can be produced wherever there is access to electricity and water – even at gas stations,
On the other hand, there are also some downsides:
• high price (the few available models cost about 80,000 USD for a medium or higher class vehicle – that’s 2 times more than an electric or hybrid car),
• high operating costs which are not only dependent on the fuel price (now about 2 times higher than for electric cars).
Summing up, I think that cars powered by hydrogen cells are a potential alternative to far-famed electric vehicles. We should take a closer look at them because we can witness a new, unexpected trend on a worldwide scale.
Sources:
https://www.bmw.com/en/innovation/how-hydrogen-fuel-cell-cars-work.html
hydrogen-powered cars for sure have the potential for the future. I think people would consider it if the price was suitable enough. 80,000$ USD starting point is a bit too much. However, it might be too early to judge, they could have the potential to have a higher range in one go, than other electric cars. Very nice and informative blog!