Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Based Vehicles

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCVs) are comparable to electric vehicles (EVs) in that they are propelled forward by an electric motor rather than an internal combustion engine. In comparison to electric vehicles, FCVs do not require external power sources to recharge because they generate their own electricity while driving. In fuel cells, which mix hydrogen (H2) from the vehicle’s fuel tank with oxygen (O2) from the surrounding air, only water and heat is created as waste products.

Availability

Several automakers are selling or leasing Fuel cell electric vehicles in select areas, notably in California. Hydrogen infrastructure is also expanding in other sections of the country. Fuel cell transit buses are already on the streets of Boston, Massachusetts, and Flint, Michigan, and additional routes are planned or under development throughout the Northeast and Hawaii. With the development of infrastructure and advancements in technology, there are plans to expand Fuel cell electric vehicles offerings in the next years.

Emissions

FCVs, like electric automobiles, are zero-emission vehicles; their tailpipes emit no smog or greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions are produced during the manufacture and transportation of hydrogen fuel.

Although hydrogen is abundant in the Universe, it must be separated from other compounds in order to be utilized as fuel. This method may consume a significant amount of energy. Hydrogen fuel production produces a range of pollutants, depending on the source of hydrogen and the synthesis technology used. Consumption of fuel and cargo capacity

In many ways, refueling a hydrogen Fuel cell electric vehicles is similar to refueling your car’s gasoline tank. Fill the tank by attaching a nozzle to a public hydrogen dispenser. FCVs may be refueled in as little as five minutes.

Even though the distance between St. Louis and Chicago is greater, some Fuel cell electric vehicles may go 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen fuel and still get around 70 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) (miles per gasoline gallon equivalent).

What are the problems with hydrogen fuel cell cars?

Despite the numerous advantages of hydrogen fuel cells, you might also think about “What are the problems with hydrogen fuel cell cars?” Here are still some downsides and challenges to overcome:

Hydrogen Extraction

H2O can only be synthesized from water or carbon-based fossil fuels, as it is the most abundant element in the Universe. Each of these procedures requires a significant amount of energy to perform. Apart from being prohibitively expensive, this energy source may be more potent than hydrogen itself. Hydrogen’s environmental credentials are degraded further by the extraction process’s reliance on fossil fuels.

 Prices of Raw Materials

Due to the fact that certain types of water electrolyzers and platinum- and iridium-based catalysts are employed in fuel cells, the initial cost of the fuel cells (and electrolyzers) may be significant. Due to the high cost of hydrogen fuel cell technology, several people have shied away from it. These costs must be kept to a minimum if hydrogen fuel cells are to become a widespread fuel source.

The Combined Cost

At the moment, hydrogen fuel cells are more expensive per watt than alternative energy sources such as solar panels. Hydrogen is more efficient once it is generated, but its high cost now precludes its widespread use. This may alter as technology advances. Due to the fact that the cost of hydrogen-powered vehicles will increase as a result of these additional costs, widespread adoption is unlikely for the foreseeable future.

Hydrogen Decomposition

In comparison to fossil fuels, hydrogen storage and transportation are more difficult. As a result, hydrogen fuel cells as an energy source will have to take in increased costs.

 Susceptible to Surprise

Concerns about safety are natural when it comes to hydrogen use. Hydrogen gas burns in the air at levels ranging from 4 to 7.

How long does a tank of hydrogen fuel cell last?

Hydrogen-powered vehicles now have a longer range than electric vehicles. A full hydrogen tank can cover around 300 miles (approx. 480 kilometers). Battery-powered automobiles are able to equal this due to their massive batteries, which results in an increase in vehicle weight and charge length. Now you know “How long does a tank of hydrogen fuel cell last?”

Fuel Cell powered Vehicle:

The Experience you might expect 

FCEVs have a propulsion technology that is very similar to that of electric automobiles, as they use a fuel cell to convert hydrogen energy to electrical power. In comparison to automobiles powered by conventional internal combustion engines, these vehicles release no harmful emissions from the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the benefits include improving the economy and ensuring the United States’ energy security.

On the FCEV, pure hydrogen gas is stored in a tank and utilized to power the vehicle. They have a range of over 300 miles and can be refueled in less than four minutes, just like traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Other cutting-edge technologies, including regenerative braking, are used to increase the efficiency of FCEVs. These technologies capture and store the energy lost during braking. Major automakers are offering a modest but growing number of FCEVs to the public in some markets in response to the expanding infrastructure.

Conclusion

Toyota Mirai (2014–) and Hyundai Nexo (2018–) are the two hydrogen automotive models that will be available to the general public in select areas beginning in 2021. Honda produced the Clarity from 2016 and 2021. [3] Volkswagen has indicated that the technology has no future in the automobile industry, in part because a fuel cell electric vehicle consumes around three times as much energy per mile traveled as a battery-electric vehicle. [4] By the end of 2020, there will be 31,225 hydrogen-powered passengers Fuel cell electric vehicles on the road.