How Long Will Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Cars Last?

The lifespan of fuel cells in hydrogen cars can vary depending on several factors, including the design, operating conditions, maintenance practices, and usage patterns. Generally, hydrogen fuel cells are designed to last between 5,000 to 10,000 hours of operation, which can translate to 225,000 to 450,000 miles of driving, depending on the vehicle's usage.

Key Factors Influencing Lifespan

Durability of Components

The longevity of fuel cells is heavily influenced by the durability of the components within the fuel cell stack. Advances in technology are leading to more durable materials that can withstand harsher conditions, which has led to improved performance and longer lifespans. Components that are well-designed and use advanced materials can significantly extend the life of the fuel cell.

Operating Conditions

Extreme temperatures, high humidity, and the presence of contaminants can degrade fuel cells over time. For example, fuel cells exposed to high temperatures or humidity can lead to a reduction in efficiency and a shorter lifespan. Additionally, contaminants such as carbon monoxide or sulfur gases can also damage the fuel cell, leading to faster degradation.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance and monitoring can help extend the lifespan of fuel cells. Proper maintenance includes regular inspections, cleaning, and replacing any worn or damaged parts. Early detection of potential issues through regular monitoring can prevent premature failure of the fuel cell.

Usage Patterns

Usage patterns play a significant role in the lifespan of fuel cells. For example, frequent short trips may cause more wear on the fuel cell compared to longer, more steady drives. Short trips often lead to more frequent start-ups and shut-downs, which can stress the fuel cell components. In contrast, longer, more consistent driving can help maintain the fuel cell's performance over a longer period.

Comparing Efficiency of Hydrogen Fuel Cells to Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Hydrogen fuel cells and internal combustion engines (ICEs) are both less efficient than battery electric vehicles (BEVs) when it comes to well-to-wheel efficiency. BEVs are the clear winners in terms of efficiency, with approximately three times the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells (FCEVs).

For example, at a meeting held at UC Irvine, a Honda representative mentioned that fuel cells in their vehicles remained within specification after 200,000 miles of driving. They added that they do not yet have definitive data on how long the fuel cells will last in normal service. This suggests that hydrogen fuel cells can be durable and reliable over a significant period of use.

Life Expectancy of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Currently, hydrogen fuel cells in production have a life expectancy of 5,000 to 10,000 hours. If we apply this to an average driving speed of 45 miles per hour with a combination of in-town and highway driving, we should expect to get between 225,000 to 450,000 miles from the fuel cell. This is comparable to the lifetime between rebuilds of modern internal combustion engines, depending on various factors.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Fuel cell vehicles operate at much higher efficiency levels than ICEs, approximately 3X. This means that the value of hydrogen and gasoline are equivalent when the price per kg of hydrogen is about 3 times the price per gallon of gasoline. However, hydrogen produced by splitting water using energy from renewable sources, such as wind turbines, offers additional benefits. In this case, the entire fuel cycle is sustainable indefinitely with no production of CO2. This makes hydrogen a more environmentally friendly option in the long run.