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So, let’s get into it – hydrogen cars.
But…isn’t everyone talking about EVs??
We’re staying ahead of the curve. Stick with us and we’ll keep you on the bleeding edge, baby!
*sigh* Fine. What even is a hydrogen car?
Well, their fancy name is a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (HFCV), and they have recently emerged as a promising alternative to traditional gasoline-powered cars. These vehicles utilize a fuel cell to convert hydrogen into electricity, which powers an electric motor. The process only produces water as a byproduct, making fuel-cell vehicles a super environmentally-friendly option.
That doesn’t sound real. How do they work?
The fuel cell is made up of several layers of material, including a proton-exchange membrane, an anode, and a cathode. Hydrogen gas enters the anode, where it is split into protons and electrons. The protons pass through the membrane to the cathode, while the electrons are directed through an external circuit, creating an electric current that powers the motor. Oxygen from the air enters the cathode, where it combines with the protons and electrons to produce water vapor, the only emission from the vehicle.
They require a steady supply of hydrogen gas to operate. The gas is stored in high-pressure tanks and dispensed at refueling stations making it similar to pumping gasoline and taking only a few minutes to complete.
How are they any better than EVs?
HFCVs have a lot of the same positive attributes as battery-electric cars – they’re smooth, quiet, and emit no carbon dioxide or other harmful exhaust. They also lack the charging time problem that EVs have, taking just five minutes or so to refuel them for a 300 to 400-mile stretch.
Another advantage of HFCVs is their longer range compared to most electric cars. While some electric cars can travel up to 300 miles on a single charge, fuel-cell vehicles can travel even further, with some models offering a range of over 400 miles.
Fuel-cell vehicles also offer a more consistent driving experience, with no reduction in power as the fuel-cell depletes or the temperature drops.
And, hydrogen gas production can come from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower making it a sustainable fuel source.
Plus, they’re growing in popularity. During Q3 of 2023, 966 new hydrogen cars were sold in the U.S. – 531% more than a year ago.
They sound pretty cool. What’s the catch?
One of the largest issues shares a grievance with other EVs and Hybrids – the nation’s infrastructure just isn’t set up for it yet.
As of October 25, 2023, the number of open retail hydrogen stations in California stood at just 55 (with another 42 stations either unavailable, or in limbo):
Given the number of hydrogen cars on the road, that’s about 322 cars per station
Liquid hydrogen also has a low boiling point, making it harder to store and transport.
And, hydrogen is famous for sneaking out of even the tiniest cracks or spaces, meaning the distances offered may diminish dramatically due to even a tiny leak in the lines. A leak that could be hard to find and repair without the proper equipment, which of course, not very many mechanics will have unless the technology gets a better foothold in the market.
Oh, and it’s expensive.
Like, how expensive we talkin’?
Well, manufacturers and the gov are doing their best to offset the price with incentives and rebates, but the prices are still about 10K above the average new car price (around $48K).
The fuel is expensive on top of that. With hydrogen fuel a specialized commodity for the general public, the small network of retail stations can command higher prices.
In September, California’s largest H2 fuel retailer, True Zero, which operates 37 hydrogen filling stations in the state, recently hiked the price of H2 at all its pumps to $36/kg, up from around $30/kg.
At that price, filling a Toyota Mirai’s 5.6kg tank would cost $201.60 (for about 400 miles).
Meh, I’m rich. Where can I get one?
There are only about 17K hydrogen-powered vehicles on U.S. roads right now, and they’re all in California.
Since 2015, only three hydrogen-powered cars have been offered for sale in the US from three different car companies – the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the Hyundai Nexo SUV, and the Toyota Mirai. However, Honda recently suspended production of all Clarity models.
Toyota, the company most devoted to hydrogen power as an alternative to BEVs, is currently the best-selling hydrogen car in the U.S, selling roughly 10,700 Mirai sedans across two generations in the U.S. (though it sometimes resorted to heavy-handed discounts to move them).
Why is Toyota so comitted to hydrogen? What do they know that we don’t??
The Japanese carmaker has been all-in on eco-friendly alternatives to ICE vehicles (EVs and hybrids included) for quite a while.
They made headlines last July when they revealed plans to roll out 200K hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2030 (though they will be primarily targeting Europe and China).
In October, Isuzu and Toyota joined forces to mass produce a light-duty hydrogen fuel cell truck. And, this December, Toyota expects to begin building hydrogen drivetrains in Kentucky, specifically for heavy-duty commercial trucks to start.
With a lack of adequate infrastructure and accessible fuel, consumers likely won’t be rushing to snatch one up anytime soon. But, as far as environmental impacts are concerned? These babies fit pretty snuggly in the S-tier.
Got a burning inquiry of your own? Let us know at crew@asotu.com!