Transportation is a large contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Converting to alternative fuels from fossil fuels and quickly is a must to prevent the worst effects of rising global temperatures. In the hydrogen versus electric cars debate, which emerges as the most sustainable winner?
Both have benefits and drawbacks. Understanding how these technologies work helps you make informed buying decisions as a consumer.Comparing hydrogen fuel cell technology versus lithium batteries empowers you to make the best choice when it’s time to purchase a new vehicle.
Hydrogen Versus Electric Cars
Electric cars are everywhere today. Nearly 3 million EVs have been sold in the United States as of mid-2022. In contrast, only 17,000 hydrogen vehicles exist on the nation’s roadways.
Many U.S. states have begun passing laws to phase out traditional gas-powered vehicles. Recently updated EPA guidelines don’t forbid their sale but set high emissions standards, preventing manufacturers from mass-producing many cars that still rely on fossil fuels.
While the existing infrastructure promises a far smoother transition to electric than to hydrogen, critics fear it may stifle hydrogen innovation, which holds significant promise for clean energy.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology — Benefits and Drawbacks
Fueling a hydrogen engine is like filling up a car, taking only five minutes or so. It’s then used to power the engine or charge the battery for temporary storage.
Since hydrogen fuel cells produce zero emissions and fill up quickly like a gas tank, they’re a seemingly natural choice for transportation’s future.
Additionally, hydrogen fuel cells don’t experience the power degradation typical of lithium-ion battery use. Finally, hydrogen fuel cells fit into the battery box of standard vehicles.
You can convert a standard gas-powered vehicle to a hydrogen model, although doing so means replacing several engine parts and requires an expert mechanic.
Additionally, hydrogen fuel cells can make electric car batteries last longer. One model by Cellcentric can go over 1,000 kilometers — 600 miles — on a single charge.
Combining hydrogen and electric car technology could someday result in vehicles that travel as readily as today’s gas-powered motors with little fear about running out of juice.
Why, then, isn’t hydrogen fuel cell technology lapping electric cars? Several factors contribute to the dearth. One major problem is the lack of existing infrastructure. Currently, only California has retail gas stations with hydrogen pumps, aside from one in Hawaii.
There are six such stations in the U.K., with only five more planned. Australia leads the pack with 12 such stations as of 2023.
Another issue is the cost of hydrogen extraction. Although it is the most abundant element in the universe, most of what is used today results from extraction from natural gas, which creates carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
Extracting hydrogen from water remains far too costly today. However, new and clean electricity from non-fossil sources, such as solar, may soon decrease costs sufficiently to make it a viable alternative.
What Brands of Hydrogen Cars Exist?
Currently, two brands of hydrogen cars are available in certain markets — the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo. The Honda Clarity was another hydrogen model, but it was discontinued in 2021 due to low market demand for fuel-cell vehicles.
One new vehicle will hit the market in 2025, the Honda CR-V e:FCEV, which also has a battery you can plug in. The fuel cell provides 241 miles, with the battery supplying an additional 29. A hydrogen startup company called Hyperion has also unveiled their version of a hydrogen vehicle, the XP-1.
However, many other automakers have begun investing in hydrogen technology and plan to launch commuter fleets. Some recognized brand names and up-and-coming companies with concept hydrogen models in production include:
- BMW
- Hyundai
- Toyota
- Honda
- NamX
- Land Rover
- Riversimple
- Alpine
- H2X
- Renault
- Audi
Additionally, several truck manufacturers have begun working on hydrogen fleets. Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCEVs) and battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs) can make the freight system more sustainable and reduce the global warming associated with shipping.
Electric Cars
There’s little doubt that electric cars have stolen the transportation sustainability spotlight. Strict new emissions regulations mean experts predict these vehicles will surpass traditional gas-powered motors by 2030, accounting for 56% of new sales.
Nine states plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035 and have invested considerable money into infrastructure, so drivers have a place to juice up.
The number of public and private EV charging ports nearly doubled between 2019 and 2023, and there are now over 140,000 public charging stations throughout the country. Public charging ports make up 88% of the total.
Although electric cars typically cost more than traditional gas-powered motors, the $7,500 tax credit makes the price equivalent for those who qualify, and you spend much less in fuel and overall maintenance after purchase.
Electric Cars – Benefits and Drawbacks
The biggest benefit of electric cars is the same as hydrogen — zero tailpipe emissions. However, they also convey other perks. For example, the lack of a combustion engine means no timing chains, tailpipes or oil, resulting in far fewer trips to the mechanic.
There are simply fewer moving parts in an electric car engine, making it less likely to break down.
Furthermore, the price of some electric car models has fallen considerably in recent years. For example, the 2023 Chevy Bolt rings in with an MSRP of $27,495, which is significantly lower than the average new vehicle price of $47,000.
Additionally, the first generation of electric cars has hit the used car market, giving interested buyers more options. The lower maintenance requirements mean fewer headaches when buying preowned.
Electric vehicles (EVs) also offer instant torque, providing quick acceleration and a smooth, quiet driving experience. Many EVs come with advanced features like regenerative braking, which helps to extend range and reduce wear on brake pads. The ability to charge at home is another significant advantage, offering convenience and potentially lower fueling costs compared to traditional gas stations.
However, EVs do have drawbacks. Range anxiety remains a concern for many potential buyers, despite improvements in battery technology. While some high-end models can travel over 300 miles on a single charge, more affordable options often have ranges between 150-250 miles. This can be problematic for long trips or in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
Charging time is another consideration. Even with fast-charging stations, it typically takes longer to charge an EV than to fill up a gas tank. This can be inconvenient during road trips or in emergency situations. Additionally, the initial purchase price of many EVs is still higher than comparable gas-powered vehicles, despite lower operating costs over time.
Battery degradation is also a concern. Over time, EV batteries lose capacity, which can affect range and performance. While most manufacturers offer warranties on batteries, replacement costs can be substantial.
Compared to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, EVs have a more developed infrastructure and are currently more widely available. However, hydrogen vehicles can refuel faster and potentially offer longer ranges. The production and distribution of hydrogen fuel remain challenges for widespread adoption of fuel cell technology.
In colder climates, EVs may experience reduced range due to battery performance in low temperatures and increased energy use for cabin heating. This is less of an issue for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which generate heat as a byproduct of their operation.
Ultimately, both technologies offer promising alternatives to traditional combustion engines, each with its own set of advantages and challenges as the automotive industry transitions towards more sustainable transportation solutions.
Brands of Electric Cars
While Tesla may be the most recognized brand of electric car, it’s far from the only player. Nearly every major manufacturer has started to experiment with electric car technology to keep pace with new emissions standards.
Today, you can find almost any body style imaginable in electric, from the 1-ton Rivian truck for the tough off-road enthusiast to the sporty Porsche Taycan for those with a need for speed.
Is a Hydrogen or Electric Car Better for the Environment?
Although hydrogen-powered FCEVs are greener than traditional cars, problems remain with collecting hydrogen. Until it is possible to create the raw material through electrolysis, the pollution caused by natural gas rivals that of coal or gas.
BEVs may be greener than FCEVs in the hydrogen versus electric car wars, even when the hydrogen comes from green electrolysis. The Council on Clean Transportation estimates that a battery-electric tractor truck powered by renewables produces 13% fewer emissions than an FCEV running on electrolysis-powered hydrogen.
FCEVs running on hydrogen mined from natural gas had the same climate impact as today’s diesel trucks, underscoring the need for clean hydrogen cultivation.
It’s crucial to remember that an FCEV also uses a battery, albeit a much smaller and lighter one than those demanded by BEVs. Therefore, they don’t eliminate the lithium and cobalt mining issues caused by BEVs.
However, they require fewer of these raw materials.
Considerations When Choosing a Hydrogen and Electric Car
When choosing between a FCEV and a BEV, ask yourself the following questions:
Which model will make the most impact on my footprint, given my typical driving behavior? For example, someone who travels long distances regularly may have far different needs than someone who only uses their car for nearby errands.
What’s my underlying motivation? For example, a car collector has different motivating factors than someone who needs a convenient, clean commute.
How practical is it for me to refuel? Remember, one issue with hydrogen is the lack of infrastructure, although some believe that increasing demand will result in more fueling stations.
Hydrogen vs. Electric Cars- Who Wins
References
Car and Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a41103863/hydrogen-cars-fcev/
Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy: https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/fuel-cells
Southwest Research Institute: https://www.swri.org/industry/hydrogen-powered-vehicles/hydrogen-internal-combustion-engine-h2-ice-consortiumMIT Climate Portal: https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/why-have-electric-vehicles-won-out-over-hydrogen-cars-so-far
TopSpeed: https://www.topspeed.com/hydrogen-cars-to-look-out-for/
