Will Hydrogen-Powered Cars Co-Exist with Electric Cars or Will One Displace the Other?

Hydrogen-powered cars represent an alternative to electric cars in the renewable energy vehicle market. While both technologies have their merits, there are significant challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FVs). This article explores whether hydrogen cars and electric cars will co-exist or if one technology will ultimately displace the other.

Why Hydrogen Cars Face Challenges

Hydrogen cars face several critical challenges that make them less viable as a mass-market solution:

1. Energy Density and Storage

While hydrogen has the potential for high energy output, storing it densely enough for practical use in vehicles is problematic. Hydrogen gas, due to its low density, requires high pressure to be stored, which increases the risk of safety issues. Additionally, high-pressure hydrogen fuel tanks can be problematic for vehicle design and safety. Even at lower pressures, hydrogen can cause embrittlement of metals and escape from containment, leading to potential leaks.

2. Liquid Hydrogen and Cryogenics

Converting hydrogen to a liquid form to increase storage density requires extremely low temperatures, which is costly and energy-intensive. Maintaining these low temperatures is also challenging and requires continuous energy input. Once the hydrogen warms up, it often reverts to gas form, creating a cycle of energy losses and safety concerns.

3. Resource Intensive Storage

One of the most promising ways to store hydrogen is by pushing it into a metal matrix, such as nickel-metal-hydride. However, this process involves a significant amount of nickel and other metals, which adds weight and cost to the vehicle. Essentially, such a storage method re-introduces the challenges of battery technology without the advantages of liquid hydrogen's high energy density.

Real-World Examples and Comparisons

California, often leading in renewable energy practices, offers a useful case study. As a renowned hub for both electric and hydrogen vehicles, California has a significantly larger number of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FVs).

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

As of now, there are approximately one million EVs in California, while the number of hydrogen FVs is around 13,000. This stark difference highlights the practicality and preference for EVs in terms of accessibility and infrastructure.

Fueling Infrastructure

The discrepancy in infrastructure is even more pronounced. While the state has around 59 hydrogen refueling stations, the majority (55) are concentrated in California. Without a network of hydrogen stations, travel beyond California to other states is challenging due to the absence of refueling options. This is in stark contrast to the extensive network of over a million EV chargers, which are available in most states and even at the homes of many EV owners.

Cost and Maintenance

Recent studies indicate that maintaining hydrogen fueling stations is about ten times more expensive than anticipated, and even with lower daily usage rates, the costs are still substantial. The cost per mile driven with hydrogen is notably higher than with electricity. These high costs and maintenance challenges further dampen the prospects for hydrogen vehicle adoption.

Will Hydrogen Cars Displace Electric Cars?

In light of the challenges and current state of the market, it seems unlikely that hydrogen cars will displace electric cars in the short to medium term. The enhanced network of EV charging stations, the lower cost of ownership for EVs, and the practicality of driving with EVs in various states make it difficult for hydrogen cars to compete.

However, hydrogen may still find a niche market for certain applications, such as large-scale transportation or specialized industries with longer travel distances where infrastructure challenges are less constraining. Nevertheless, for the broader consumer market, electric cars are currently more cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable.

The future of the automotive industry will likely see a co-existence of both technologies, with each serving different market needs and applications.