Hydrogen fuel cells work by combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water, and heat without combustion. Pure hydrogen gas is stored in high-pressure tanks and fed into the fuel cell. Within the fuel cell, a catalyst causes the hydrogen atoms to split into protons and electrons. The protons pass through a thin, solid polymer membrane to the other side of the cell where they combine with oxygen and electrons to form water. The electrons are pushed through an external circuit creating an electric current that can power a motor. Fuel cells are more efficient than combustion engines at converting stored chemical energy into motion. They also produce zero direct emissions aside from water.
Benefits of Hydrogen Vehicle over Electric Batteries
While battery electric vehicles have grown in popularity, hydrogen fuel cell technology provides some unique advantages over battery power. Hydrogen has a higher energy density per unit of weight than lithium-ion batteries allowing for greater driving range on a full "refuel". Hydrogen fueling takes only a few minutes, similar to gasoline, while recharging batteries can take hours. The weight and size of hydrogen tanks is also improving, leading to lighter and more compact fuel cell systems. Hydrogen will not suffer from battery degradation over time and costs. Most importantly, the hydrogen economy allows opportunities for zero-emissions mobility even in sectors like long-haul trucks, boats, and aircraft where batteries remain challenging.
Progress of Fuel Cell Vehicle Development
Major automakers have invested heavily in developing fuel cell passenger cars over the past two decades. Toyota was among the first with its launch of the Mirai in 2015. Since then models have launched from Hyundai called the Nexo, Honda's Clarity Fuel Cell, and BMW's Hydrogen 7. While production volumes are still low, impressive driving ranges of over 300 miles are now available. Refueling infrastructure also continues to slowly expand, especially in California and parts of Europe. For commercial vehicles, companies have demonstrated fuel cell trucks, vans, buses and trains. Backup power systems using stationary fuel cells are finding roles as well. The technology is maturing and costs are coming down steadily through manufacturing improvements and economies of scale.
Growing Public Hydrogen Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure
Building out a convenient public hydrogen refueling network is crucial for fuel cell vehicles to gain widespread adoption. Some 66,000 fuel cell vehicles have been sold globally with about 1,200 public hydrogen stations currently available worldwide. California leads with over 50 stations open today and plans for hundreds more in development with a goal of 200 open stations by 2025. Germany and Japan are also making infrastructure investments to support their automaker initiatives. Major oil companies are partnering with fuel cell developers to build hydrogen hubs incorporating production, storage, and dispensing facilities. More are beginning to see it as the future of transportation fueling. As costs reduce with experience, hydrogen fueling will ultimately need to achieve parity at the pump with current gasoline and diesel prices.
Role of Green and Renewable Hydrogen Vehicle Production
As hydrogen fuel cell vehicles grow in popularity, scaling renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production will be key. Traditional "grey hydrogen" made from steam reforming of natural gas currently dominates global production but results in CO2 emissions. "Blue hydrogen" uses carbon capture to reduce these emissions. The cleanest and future-focused options are green hydrogen produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity. This has potential for substantial renewable energy storage and transport. Examples include large solar and wind powered electrolysis facilities. Other emerging technologies like high-temperature electrolysis and photoelectrochemical cells aim to reduce green hydrogen costs further. While renewable hydrogen costs more today, economies of scale, technological learning and policy incentives look poised to narrow the price gap significantly in coming decades. Clean hydrogen will then enable truly zero-emission mobility at all scales.
Automakers are actively building their lineups and refueling continues expanding preparing for the arrival of affordable mass-market fuel cell hydrogen vehicle in the coming years. Many projections have passenger fuel cell vehicle sales reaching hundreds of thousands annually by 2030 and potentially millions in following decades. For commercial vehicles demand may accelerate further given fuel cell advantages of quick refuel times and greater range loads.
Government incentives and policies supporting hydrogen infrastructure investments and low-carbon fuel standards are hoped to drive scale and cost reductions for a self-sustaining market. The hydrogen economy envisions new jobs, technologies and industries centered around renewable energy and emission-free mobility. With continuing progress, fuel cells could come to displace conventional gasoline and diesel uses entirely at some point. Though challenges remain to commercialization, hydrogen shows great potential as part of the solution for clean transportation of the future.
Get More Insights On Hydrogen Vehicle
https://www.feedsfloor.com/market-research/rise-hydrogen-vehicle-powered-transportation
About Author:
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
copyright src="chrome-extension://fpjppnhnpnknbenelmbnidjbolhandnf/content_script_web_accessible/ecp_regular.js" type="text/javascript">
copyright src="chrome-extension://fpjppnhnpnknbenelmbnidjbolhandnf/content_script_web_accessible/ecp_regular.js" type="text/javascript">