The Future of Hydrogen Fuel Cells: A Critical Analysis

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have recently captured the attention of media and tech enthusiasts. These vehicles are highly celebrated for their potential to produce only pure water upon combustion. However, they are not without their challenges and limitations. This article delves into the current state and potential future of hydrogen fuel cells, comparing them with battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Advancements in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) have come a long way in the past two decades. They now compete with conventional gasoline cars in terms of affordability, something critics often overlook. While Tesla is often hailed as an expensive luxury brand, it's important to note that there are fully electric cars available on U.S. showroom floors for less than the average cost of a new gasoline car since 2018.

Current Challenges

Despite their potential, hydrogen fuel cells face certain challenges. Currently, the hydrogen used is sourced from natural gas, making it a fossil fuel. However, the cost of hydrogen is comparable to that of gasoline. A Kilogram of hydrogen costs approximately $5.50, which is about the same raw energy content as a gallon of gasoline.

Future Prospects

Future hydrogen can be produced from renewable energy sources like wind and solar. In theory, this could make hydrogen cheaper than fossil-sourced hydrogen. However, even with renewables, hydrogen fuel cell cars will never be as efficient as electric cars that are directly powered by renewable electricity. Fuel cells are 60% efficient, whereas electric vehicles (EVs) operate at around 80% efficiency.

Practical Considerations

California, a leader in environmental regulations, has a robust hydrogen fueling network. However, finding hydrogen compared to gasoline is still challenging. Moreover, every homeowner can charge their electric car at home, which is not the case with hydrogen vehicles. The expansion of charging networks for EVs is also more feasible than constructing hydrogen fueling stations.

A Lessons Learned from Personal Experience

Personal experience was instrumental in evaluating the practicality of FCEVs versus BEVs. I leased a 2016 Toyota Mirai FCV for three years and later a 2017 Chevy Bolt. Both vehicles had distinct advantages and disadvantages. The Toyota Mirai was praised for its quick refueling time, which was a major selling point. However, the time required to drive to and from hydrogen stations often outweighed the convenience of refueling, especially given that daily driving typically doesn't necessitate frequent refueling.

The Chevy Bolt, on the other hand, provided a more practical solution for daily charging needs. During long road trips, the extended charging times for the BEV were cumbersome, but this was a minor inconvenience when compared to the hassle of driving to and from hydrogen stations.

Despite the rapid advancements in technology, the current infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles is still not as convenient as that for electric vehicles. In our specific situation, the practical advantages of electric vehicles outweigh those of hydrogen fuel cells.

Conclusion

While hydrogen fuel cells hold promise for the future, their current limitations make them less appealing for many consumers, especially those who prioritize practicality over potential long-term benefits. The dominance of electric vehicles in home charging and infrastructure is likely to continue, and we are currently exploring upgrades to our own electric vehicle to further enhance our driving experience.