Usually, e-mobility is associated with vehicles with a large battery charged by electricity. However, other exciting drive technologies have emerged recently. Among the most promising solutions are electric vehicles with hydrogen infrastructure, which use fuel cells to generate electricity, an alternative without emissions and without long charging times. Specifically, this refers to hydrogen-electric drive, also called fuel-cell drive. Hydrogen EVs represent an ecological solution for the future of sustainable mobility.
Using fuel cells, these vehicles convert hydrogen into electrical energy, eliminating harmful emissions and reducing their environmental impact. Furthermore, they offer a greater range than traditional EVs, allowing for longer journeys without the need for frequent charging. While maintaining the same driving experience as that of electric cars, in terms of dynamic acceleration and silence, there are notable differences in operation between a battery EV (BEV) and a hydrogen EV.
How do FCEVs work?
EVs have multiple advantages for both customers and the environment—think, for example, of the reduction of pollutants and noise, as well as dynamic driving. Cars with hydrogen infrastructure are powered by an electric motor and are therefore classified as electric cars. Fuel-cell EVs (FCEVs) use the same electric drive as BEVs but differ in the way energy is stored.
In fact, FCEVs use a propulsion system similar to that of EVs, in which the energy stored as hydrogen is converted into electricity by the fuel cell. However, there is a substantial difference compared with other EVs: Hydrogen vehicles produce their own electricity, which means that their power does not come from an integrated battery, as is the case with purely electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged from an external power source.
Hydrogen cars are equipped with their own on-board power plant, which converts the hydrogen in the fuel tank into electricity. This power plant is the fuel cell itself. In an FCEV, hydrogen and oxygen generate electrical energy that is routed into the electric motor and/or battery if necessary. Unlike other EVs, therefore, FCEVs produce electricity using a hydrogen-powered fuel cell rather than just drawing electricity from a battery.
A process commonly known as reverse electrolysis takes place inside a fuel cell. Hydrogen reacts with oxygen in the process. The hydrogen comes from one or more tanks in the car, while the oxygen comes from the ambient air. The only things this reaction produces are electricity, heat and water, which exits through the exhaust as water vapor, with no emissions.
The electricity generated in the fuel cell takes two paths, depending on the specific driving situation. It flows to the electric motor and directly drives the vehicle and charges a battery that serves as temporary storage until the energy is needed for driving. This battery is significantly smaller than the battery of a fully electric car, which implies that it is also lighter. The battery is also constantly recharged by the fuel cell.
FCEVs also feature other innovative technologies to increase efficiency, such as regenerative braking systems that capture energy lost during braking and store it in a battery. In fact, most FCEVs use the battery to recover energy from regenerative braking, providing extra power during short acceleration events; smooth the power output of the fuel cell; and shut down the fuel cell during low power demands. The amount of energy stored onboard is determined by the size of the hydrogen tank. This operating scheme is very different from that of a fully electric vehicle, in which the amount of power and energy available are both closely related to the size of the battery pack.
Zero emissions and lower environmental impact
Hydrogen cars are powered exclusively by electricity and operate with zero harmful tailpipe emissions. This category of vehicles is much more efficient than conventional internal-combustion–engine (ICE) vehicles and produces no emissions. Unlike conventional ICE vehicles, which emit greenhouse gases and air pollutants, hydrogen vehicles help reduce air pollution and overall environmental impact, as they are powered by fuel cells that produce energy electricity through the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. For example, the city of Los Angeles has introduced a fleet of hydrogen buses, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality for its citizens. This demonstrates how hydrogen EVs can be an effective solution to combat urban pollution, promote a sustainable lifestyle and accelerate the ecological transition.
Greater autonomy and reduced charging times
Another important competitive advantage of hydrogen EVs is their greater autonomy compared with traditional EVs. Hydrogen EVs can therefore overcome the range limitations of BEVs, making them a more practical choice for long journeys and everyday mobility needs. Another advantage is shorter refueling time. While electric cars take a longer time to recharge their batteries, hydrogen vehicles can be refueled with hydrogen in just a few minutes, similar to the refueling process of an ICE vehicle.
Greater autonomy and reduced charging times
Another important competitive advantage of hydrogen EVs is their greater autonomy compared with traditional EVs. Hydrogen EVs can therefore overcome the range limitations of BEVs, making them a more practical choice for long journeys and everyday mobility needs. Another advantage is shorter refueling time. While electric cars take a longer time to recharge their batteries, hydrogen vehicles can be refueled with hydrogen in just a few minutes, similar to the refueling process of an ICE vehicle.
Conclusion
Hydrogen EVs represent a promising solution for the future of sustainable mobility. To date, hydrogen drives are considered among the most environmentally friendly solutions, despite still being in the implementation phase. Thanks to their ability to eliminate harmful emissions and thus reduce environmental impact, they represent an ecological alternative for road transport. Furthermore, their greater autonomy and reduced charging times make them a practical choice for everyday mobility needs.
The U.S. Department of Energy leads research efforts to make hydrogen-powered vehicles an affordable, green and safe transportation option that can increase energy resilience through diversity and strengthening the economy. With further technological developments and greater infrastructure support, hydrogen EVs could become a common reality in our cities and streets, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. Hydrogen is also one of the most efficient ways to store and transport renewable energy. For this reason, it will play an important role in future energy supply methods.
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