Would you ever think that electric cars designed to be the greenest vehicles in the world pose a great threat to our planet, due to the difficulties in disposing of their batteries? For this reason, a new way of powering cars was invented, based on the use of the most common element in the universe, hydrogen in combination with oxygen. It is a much more ecological alternative than the combustion of petroleum derivatives, which may contribute to the elimination of many disadvantages of electric motors, such as the difficulty of recycling and their long charging time. No toxic or polluted substance, including carbon dioxide, is released. As a result of this chemical reaction, energy is generated which supplies clean water as a side effect. The technology is based on the centuries- old process of reverse electrolysis of water.
How does it work?
- Oxygen enters the fuel cell from the outside
- The hydrogen flows from tanks into the fuel cell
- Hydrogen combines with oxygen inside the fuel cell
- The cell generates electricity
- The fuel cell transfers energy directly to the engine
NOW THE ONLY EMMISION IS WATER!

How is this possible?
Fuel cells consist of electrodes and a membrane that allows only positively charged hydrogen molecules to pass through. After this stage, the hydrogen protons combine with the oxygen atoms and water is formed. As soon as the electrons are directed to the electric circuit, a current is created that starts the car in motion.

How is the hydrogen sourced?
Currently, the most popular methods of obtaining hydrogen are gas steam reforming and electrolysis of water. In addition, Toyota is now developing innovative new technology to extract hydrogen for cars, from the air. In contact with air this device produces hydrogen under the influence of sunlight at no additional cost.
Advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cell cars:
+ refueling max 5min
+ max 650km
+ zero-emission form of transport
– low popularity of hydrogen
-high refueling costs
-fossil fuels are often used during the production of hydrogen
What hydrogen fuel cell cars are available on the market?
Now there are few available models on the market: Toyota Mirai (2014- which is world’s first mass- produced dedicated fuel cell electric vehicle), Hyundai Nexo (2018), and Honda Clariy (which was produced from 2016 to 2021). By the end of 2020 there were already over 31 000 people driving hydrogen- powered cars. This number is growing all the time as more and more brands announce their production of hydrogen fuel cells cars as it us the future of automotive industry.
Summary:
In conclusion, hydrogen- powered cars in my opinion will be the future of the automotive industry. I also think that they will be a big competition for electric cars due to the fact that they can be 100% zero emissions cars if the hydrogen will be obtained from the air. Then there would be no problem with the disposal of batteries from old electricians’ cars and charging during long journeys.
Sources:
https://www.toyota.pl/hydrogen/wodor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_vehicle
I’m a fan of this, since it’s another eco-friendly invention. As of right now there is too much pollution in the world, and part of it is because of car emissions. Some Polish cities are one of the most polluted it the world and I really hope this in a good step in helping to fix it.
I agree with you, that hydrogen is a very convincing source of energy. However, transforming solely automotive industry is not enough to cut the emissions. Hydrogen is also used in nuclear fusion, which is in my opinion very promising source of energy.