Hydrogen vs. Electric Cars: Which is the Future of Green Transportation?

Hydrogen Cars vs. Electric Cars: Overview

Hydrogen and electric cars are both environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles. Hydrogen cars utilize fuel cells that convert hydrogen gas into electric current, powering the motor efficiently. In comparison, electric cars run on batteries charged by electrical grids. Electric cars are widely available and have a larger number of users compared to hydrogen cars. However, hydrogen cars are gradually becoming popular due to their quick refueling times and high energy density, which allows for longer travel distances. Let’s dive deeper into how hydrogen and electric cars work.

How Do Hydrogen Cars Work?

Hydrogen cars, or hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), consist of an electric motor driven by an electrochemical reaction. This reaction occurs when high-pressure hydrogen gas combines with oxygen in hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity and water vapor. More complex than electric cars, hydrogen cars can be considered small hydrogen-fueled power stations. With hydrogen cars, you can travel around 400 miles before needing to refill the gas tank.

A hydrogen car has a hydrogen tank that stores highly-pressurized hydrogen gas. The gas is then released to come into contact with the anode and cathode in the fuel cells. The electrochemical reaction between the anode and cathode breaks the hydrogen molecules into protons (water) and electrons (electricity) to power the car. The produced electricity is stored in a battery, which passes the current to the motor, moving the wheels. Refilling the hydrogen tank at a dedicated filling station only takes a few minutes.

How Do Electric Cars Work?

Electric cars, or electric vehicles (EVs), work on electric current instead of gasoline, diesel, or petrol fuel. Electric cars use an electric motor driven by electric current stored in a lithium-ion battery. The electrical energy powers up the electric motor and the car's entire power system. The owner needs to charge a large battery pack located inside the EV by either plugging the car into a charging outlet or a charging station.

The entire system is connected to the assembled battery, which provides power to the electric motor, creating instant torque and acceleration to move the vehicle. The efficient system of an electric car also controls the energy flow between the battery and the motor. Additionally, an EV features regenerative braking, which regenerates energy from the wheels when the driver applies the brakes and restores that energy in the battery. Battery-powered electric vehicles have gained remarkable popularity in the last few years.

Pros and Cons of Hydrogen-Powered and Electric-Powered Cars

Although both electric and hydrogen cars are environmentally friendly, it is essential to explore the advantages and disadvantages to deduce which car you should purchase in 2023. Here are the pros and cons of hydrogen and electric-powered cars.

Pros of Hydrogen Cars:

Faster Refueling: It takes only a few minutes to refill the hydrogen gas tank due to its time-effective and instantaneous process.

Distant Range: Hydrogen cars offer a distant range with just a single tank of fuel.

Zero Emissions: The only emission from a hydrogen car is water vapor, making it a zero-emission vehicle.

Cons of Hydrogen Cars:

Lack of Infrastructure: With limited refueling stations or lack of infrastructure, hydrogen cars may not be a viable option for many.

Quite Expensive: Hydrogen-powered cars are not cheap, and refueling costs can vary significantly across different countries.

Production Challenges: Hydrogen production can be energy-intensive and may rely on various non-renewable sources.

Pros of Electric Cars:

Advanced Infrastructure: Compared to hydrogen cars, electric cars have more advanced infrastructure and charging stations, with governments worldwide investing in them.

Emissionless and Cheaper: Electric cars run silently and produce no pollution or emissions. They are also more affordable, and the cost of recharging the batteries is convenient.

Lower Maintenance: Due to the lack of moving parts, electric cars are reliable and require less maintenance, resulting in lower costs.

Cons of Electric Cars:

Limited Range: One of the most significant drawbacks of electric cars is the limited range compared to the time it takes to recharge the batteries.

Battery Lifespan: The lifespan of the batteries is limited, and disposing of them properly can be challenging. It is essential to replace old batteries with new ones regularly.

Limited Charging Stations: Charging stations are still in the development phase, with around 1000 stations globally.

Electric vs. Hydrogen Cars: Comparing Various Parameters

Electric and hydrogen cars are considered the best options for producing zero emissions. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered by lithium-ion batteries, while hydrogen cars are fueled by hydrogen fuel cells. However, several differences can affect your decision to own an electric or hydrogen car. Let’s explore the comparison parameters to help you make an informed decision.

Driving Range

The driving range of electric vehicles depends on the vehicle purchased. More expensive EVs generally have a longer range. However, hydrogen cars offer a better driving range with a quick refueling time. The driving range for EVs can range from 150 to 375 miles, while for hydrogen cars, it ranges from 400 to 600 miles depending on the tank size.

Efficiency

Hydrogen-powered cars are at a disadvantage due to the complex processes of converting hydrogen gas into electricity to operate the vehicle. In FCEVs, energy is converted from chemical energy to electrical energy, leading to greater inefficiency. In comparison, BEVs are quite energy efficient, utilizing around 80% of the total energy to power the vehicle. Battery-powered electric vehicles are indeed the winner in terms of efficiency.

Environmental Impact

As hydrogen fuel cells can be 100% renewable and environmentally friendly, hydrogen cars are a good option. Hydrogen cars release pure water vapor and filter out ultrafine dust from the atmosphere, making them eco-friendly. However, the consumption of lithium and cobalt for EV batteries results in environmental damage. Although electric cars don’t emit fumes or cause air pollution, their manufacturing and disposal can lead to pollution and resource depletion. FCEVs have the upper hand, as recycling hydrogen fuel cells is easy and cost-effective.

Powering/Refueling Stations Availability

Hydrogen vehicles lack the necessary infrastructure or refueling stations. Hydrogen cars are more expensive than electric cars and have over 1000 refueling stations globally as of 2023. However, electric cars are more reasonably priced and have thousands of charging stations globally. The sufficiency of EV charging stations makes them the best choice for most enthusiasts.

Powering/Refueling Time

Refueling a hydrogen-powered vehicle takes 5 to 10 minutes to pump high-pressure hydrogen gas into the tank. In comparison, recharging an electric vehicle can take 4 to 8 hours. Hence, hydrogen cars win in terms of refueling time.

Performance

In terms of performance, hydrogen vehicles take the lead, offering performance twice or thrice that of internal combustion engines. EVs offer good performance, but many owners feel that the performance does not justify the long charging times.

Safety

Hydrogen cars use highly inflammable hydrogen gas. However, advanced designs and safety precautions make driving hydrogen vehicles safer. Electric cars use lithium-ion batteries, which have their own safety concerns. If exposed to fire, li-ion batteries can catch flames. Despite some risks, driving an electric car is generally safer than a hydrogen-powered one.

Emissions

Both hydrogen and electric cars do not produce carbon emissions directly from their exhausts. However, a considerable amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) is released during the manufacturing process of both types of cars.

Cost of Ownership

Electric cars can be expensive, with prices varying from $45,000 to $80,000 based on the vehicle’s features, performance, and size. In comparison, hydrogen cars are even more expensive. For example, the Hyundai Nexo SUV costs more than $60,000, and the Toyota Mirai costs around $50,000.

Will Hydrogen Cars Replace Electric Cars?

Hydrogen-fueled cars have many disadvantages, such as limited infrastructure, high cost, and safety concerns. Electric cars are safer, less expensive, and have sufficient charging stations, offering more convenience to users. While green hydrogen fuel cells could gain traction for commercial and industrial purposes, hydrogen cars are unlikely to replace electric cars in the near future.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the above comparison of hydrogen vs. electric cars will help you decide whether to purchase an EV or invest in an FCEV. Electric cars are the perfect choice for those seeking a cleaner, cost-effective, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and low-emission option. The ultimate choice will depend on your needs, preferences, and ideals, but considering the mentioned parameters will help you choose wisely between electric and hydrogen cars.

References

(https://bacancysystems.com/blog/hydrogen-vs-electric-cars#:~:text=The%20more%20expensive%20your%20electric,depending%20on%20the%20tank%20size.)