Which of hydrogen cars and electric cars will win the race to green smart mobility? As many countries (Norway, Germany, Japan, etc.) are shifting towards cleaner and sustainable mobility, hydrogen cars and electric cars have emerged as viable alternatives to conventional fossil-thermal powered vehicles. Both of the two technologies are zero direct emissions while hydrogen cars have a fast refueling time, lighter weight and longer driving range compared to electric cars who have Lower operating costs due to fewer moving parts and reduced energy costs. For instance, EV cars, even with longer charging times, are leading due to vehicle availability with lower cost and extensive charging infrastructure.
In my opinion, they both have their advantages. In the long term however, if hydrogen works out, it will be the primary option. Till we get to that point, EVs are the answer.
Electric cars are currently ahead in terms of availability and infrastructure support, but I believe hydrogen cars have a promising future. The ultimate winner in the race will depend on various factors, including technological advancements, infrastructure development, and consumer preferences...
Kamal Mohammedi In my opinion, both technologies have their advantages and disadvantages. Mainly due to the low volumetric density of compressed hydrogen, fuel cell drive for small city cars is not the best solution. Assuming that such cars do not need to have a long range, an electric drive is a better solution. On the other hand, in the case of larger cars, which should be able to cover long distances and offer quick refueling if necessary, it is more advantageous to be equipped with a hydrogen drive.
So let both technologies develop in parallel, because currently they complement each other well.
I don't see hydrogen as viable. While it sounds good from a car's emission standpoint, there is no efficiently made hydrogen on earth. While you can convert water to hydrogen and oxygen, it is very energy intensive, and you only get part of the energy back when you burn it. So it is an "energy carrier" not an energy source. You are now back to burning carbon, windmils, and nuclear to generate the energy to produce the hydrogen to burn the hydrogen to make the car move.
That actually adds another inefficient step to electric cars. Today the best actual solution is the pluggable hybrid. Use electricity on short trips, commutes and such, and gasoline for longer trips. Given that much usage is in work commutes, that is practical.
As a Ph.D. student studying both technologies, it is hard for me to deny the fact that technological demand for Battery EVs, either charging infrastructure, range or reduced operating costs, or anything relevant, has matured better than demand for FCEVs. Well, I still wonder if some technological innovations dynamically see some magic in this domain, and our future changes the course for FCEV, indeed!!!
Thanks for all these pertinent answers, which definitely do not give a clear advantage for one or the other technology. Both of H2ICE Vs and EVs need to fix the problem of vehicle autonomy, energy storage and precious metals resources needed by automakers. May be next generation self charging batteries development, A UK-based battery company has developed an electric vehicle (EV) capable of being charged in under 6 mins with existing charging infrastructure.
Nyobolt has taken a systems level approach to develop batteries capable of charging in minutes by pioneering new materials, cell designs, efficient software control and power electronics.
Its vision is to match today’s convenience of refuelling at the pumps, but it says that has been impossible to achieve in today’s EVs, because batteries are big, heavy and costly, with vehicles often weighing over two tonnes.
The requirement for heavy EV battery packs places a huge strain on the supply of battery raw materials.
The Nyobolt EV weighs closer to one tonne than two, uses a 35kWh battery and is capable of fully charging with up to 250km range in under 6 mins with existing charging infrastructure, without sacrificing battery life.
Sai Shivareddy, CEO at Nyobolt, said: “Unlocking the challenges faced by electric vehicle designers has been key to the development of our breakthrough fast-charging batteries.
https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/latest-fleet-news/electric-fleet-news/2023/06/13/new-electric-vehicle-battery-tech-makes-six-minute-charge-possible
While the progress of hydrogen internal combustion engines goes forward it still face challenges which need holistic approches from industry to win. There are several disadvantages and challenges to using hydrogen as a fuel for internal combustion engines:
https://www.hydrogennewsletter.com/hydrogen-internal-combustion-engine-h-ice/
https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/electric-vehicles-vs-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicles-comparing-the-benefits/45393/
The future of zero-emission vehicles
Looking ahead, electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are poised to play a pivotal role in the global shift towards sustainable and efficient transportation systems. Ongoing advancements in battery technology, coupled with the expansion of charging networks and refuelling stations, are crucial for this success.
Moreover, consumer adoption is increasing rapidly due to environmental benefits, lower operating costs, and improved driving experience, with government incentives playing a key role in stimulating demand.
Despite challenges, the future of zero-emission vehicles looks promising, with ongoing advancements and increasing consumer adoption driving the transition towards sustainable transportation systems.
Revo Zero develops SUV with plug-in Hybrid Battery and Hydrogen FC
The American start-up Revo Zero wants to develop cars in which the electric motor is powered by electricity from the battery and the hydrogen fuel cell. The car can therefore be plugged in and connected to the hydrogen pump. The range of the first SUV model is more than 1,100 km.
https://youtu.be/YqkwSsBg5lg
https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4E12AQGUtB6nVgbCCQ/article-cover_image-shrink_600_2000/0/1708524159989?e=1717027200&v=beta&t=f7QkN-EnvRtnMiLlPLhcrc1Xyoy2bkNcjSPQFVDgzo0
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