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Tyres / Tyre News / Motoring / Hydrogen Powered Cars: The Future of Driving?
Hydrogen Powered Cars: The Future of Driving?
There has been widespread discussions of electric vehicles in recent years, with many considering EVs to be the answer to tackling emission problems around the world.
This can be seen particularly in the UK, with councils across the country deciding to phase in Low Emission and Ultra Low Emission Zones to tackle these issues.
The introduction of these zones, along with perceived benefits of owning an electric car, has seen a vast increase people switching to electric, with over 450,000 hybrid/electric vehicles being registered in the UK in 2023 alone.
An alternative to these sorts of vehicles that has peaked interest of many motorists globally is hydrogen powered cars, also known as fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
FCEVs are a bit of an unknown entity, with many car enthusiasts wondering what these types of vehicles are and how they might shake up the landscape of motoring in the coming years.
The purpose of this article is to understand what hydrogen powered cars are, what FCEVs have been produced, and what impact they might have on the motoring industry.
What are fuel-cell electric vehicles?
Fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) represent a fascinating leap forward in automotive technology, merging eco-friendliness with high performance.
At the heart of each FCEV is a fuel cell, a device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water and heat as the only byproducts.
Unlike traditional electric vehicles that require charging from an electrical source, FCEVs run on hydrogen that you refill, much like gasoline in conventional cars.
Refuelling of a hydrogen car takes just a few minutes, offering a convenience similar to what we're accustomed to with petrol or diesel vehicles, yet with none of the emissions that contribute to pollution and climate change.
The magic of FCEVs lies in their fuel cells, which efficiently convert hydrogen gas stored in high-pressure tanks into electricity. This electricity then powers the vehicle’s electric motor, propelling it forward without combustion or emissions.
What hydrogen cars have been made?
As discussed previously, hydrogen cars are a new prospect in the motoring world that the general population may not know much about.
This is evident through the lack of production of these vehicle types. If we discuss the UK specifically, there are currently 2 hydrogen powered cars available – the Hyundai NEXO and the Toyota Mirai.
These two FCEVs represent the exclusive hydrogen models for Brits that can be purchased today.
Toyota Mirai
Being the first ever mass-produced FCEV, the Mirai is undoubtably an innovator that all hydrogen cars will be traced back to.
The first generation of Mirai was released back in 2015, positioning itself as a real innovator within the automotive industry.
2021 saw the release of the recent generation, garnering a power output of 180 bhp and 300 NM of torque. This sees the FCEV accelerate from 0-62 mph in 9 seconds, showcasing the performance capabilities a hydrogen car can hold.
A Toyota Mirai is available brand-new at around £49,000 onwards.
Hyundai NEXO
The world’s first mass-produced hydrogen SUV, Hyundai’s NEXO has caught the eye of alternative car drivers globally, being sold in countries such as the UK, US, and Australia.
Unveiled and released in the US back in 2018, the NEXO is only one of two hydrogen cars that are sold in the States and the United Kingdom.
Much like the Mirai, the NEXO is regarded as an innovator for future FCEVs. The NEXO’s 163 bhp and 395 NM of torque rivals the performance aspects of the Mirai.
If you wish to have a Hyundai NEXO, you can pick one up at a brand-new price of around £66,000, a little more expensive than the Mirai’s starting price.
The Future of Hydrogen Cars
With the introduction of the two hydrogen car models discussed, there is sure to be many more car brands introducing FCEVs to their model line-ups in the not so distant future.
For example, BMW unveiled their first hydrogen powered car, through the production of their iX5 Hydrogen model. We are unsure on when the iX5 will become available in the UK, but the introduction of the model in 2023 indicates mass production should commence very soon.
Hyundai have also got plans for a high-performance FCEV, that being their brand-new N Vision 74. Production is reportedly set to start in 2026, with the new hydrogen powered car model set to join the NEXO in Hyundai’s FCEV line-up.
Acknowledging the advancements of electric vehicle production in recent times, it’s safe to say that hydrogen powered cars should see an uplift in what the vehicles’ capabilities can become.
Potential Impact on the Automotive Industry
The rise of hydrogen-powered cars, or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), presents both challenges and transformative opportunities for the automotive industry.
As the global emphasis on sustainability intensifies, the industry is at a pivotal point, with governments across the globe looking to adapt to new technologies that could substantially alter production, market dynamics, and consumer behaviour.
For car brands, the shift towards hydrogen technology involves navigating a landscape marked by both competitive threats and new business opportunities.
Companies can leverage their expertise in hydrogen technology to diversify their product offerings and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Early movers in this space, such as Hyundai and Toyota, can gain a competitive advantage through brand differentiation and could set industry standards for hydrogen-powered transportation.
If the popularity of these vehicles start increasing, we may see various car brands invest in these sorts of vehicles, especially with many seeing FCEVs a greater alternative to diesel/petrol cars than EVs.
Final Takeaways
The potential impact of hydrogen-powered cars on the automotive industry is profound, encapsulating environmental, economic, and technological dimensions.
As the industry moves towards a more sustainable future, embracing hydrogen technology could not only mitigate the environmental impact of personal transport but also redefine the competitive landscape of the automotive sector.
The journey will require overcoming significant hurdles but promises a cleaner, more innovative, and sustainable road ahead for all stakeholders involved.
FAQs
Do hydrogen cars make any noise?
Hydrogen cars are generally quiet, like electric vehicles, though you might hear faint sounds from the fuel cell system or the motor.
Is hydrogen safer than petrol?
Hydrogen can be safer than petrol as it disperses quickly into the air if leaked, reducing the risk of explosion, but proper handling is still crucial.
Which is better, hydrogen cars or electric cars?
It depends on use case: hydrogen cars refuel faster and may suit long-range driving, while electric cars are more efficient and have better charging infrastructure.
Is Tesla doing hydrogen cars?
No, Tesla focuses on battery-electric vehicles, not hydrogen fuel cell cars. In a 2022 interview, Elon Musk defined fuel cells as “dumb”, claiming “It’s very difficult to produce hydrogen and store it and use it in an automobile.” So as it stands, Tesla have no immediate plans for hydrogen car production.