Despite all the hype about electric cars, the vast majority of motorists still drive petrol-driven vehicles – approximately 7 percent of new car sales were electric last year.
And while governments have already outlined the phasing out of internal combustion engines, it is by no means certain that this is something that will actually happen – there may be stronger resistance to it closer to the time and the consumers simply might not want to make the switch, despite their best environmental intentions.
The problem is that green cars – most of which are lithium-ion battery powered – are still not quite as good as people want them to be. Electric supercars aside, general production cars that are battery powered tend to have limited range and lack power. It’s the same problem as several years ago, when electric vehicle sales started taking off.
The growth of electric vehicles has slowed down a little, but that is probably because the technological advances people wanted and expected have not materialised. It’s possible that consumers are used to seeing smartphones and computers improve every year and expected electric cars to do the same – but they have not.
Whatever the reason for the slight slowdown in growth of electric cars, lower sales means that battery electric vehicles have not completely dominated the market as some might have forecast, which in turn means that alternative technologies – such as hydrogen fuel cells – still have a chance to take significant market share.
It’s still a nascent market in many ways, and even completely new technologies still have a chance to enter the fray amd make their mark. Some inventors talk about exotic ideas such as water-powered cars and magnetic engines.
And then there’s the diamond battery, which is said to run for thousands of years without needing a charge – the slight nervousness one may reasonably feel about it having a nuclear element notwithstanding.
But let’s mainly concentrate on the two technologies most leading car companies have invested significant money and time into.
Understanding the difference: Battery electric vs hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
As the automotive industry shifts away from petrol-driven engines, two competing technologies have emerged as potential solutions: battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs). While both are considered cleaner alternatives to internal combustion engines, they operate on fundamentally different principles and come with their own advantages and challenges.
Battery electric vehicles rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to store electrical energy, which powers an electric motor. Charging stations replenish these batteries with electricity, either from a home charger or a public charging point.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, on the other hand, use hydrogen gas to generate electricity through a chemical reaction in a fuel cell. This reaction produces electricity to power the vehicle’s motor, with only water as a byproduct.
The strengths and weaknesses of battery electric vehicles
BEVs have gained significant market traction, largely due to their convenience and existing infrastructure. A major advantage is that electric vehicles (EVs) can be charged at home, and there is already a well-developed network of public charging stations in many countries.
Automakers like Tesla, Volkswagen, and Ford have heavily invested in BEVs, making them the dominant alternative-fuel vehicle option on the market today.
However, batteries come with significant drawbacks:
- Limited range and power: Despite advances in battery technology, range anxiety remains a concern. Even premium electric vehicles struggle to exceed 400 to 500 miles on a single charge, far less than a hydrogen fuel cell or petrol vehicle.
- Long charging times: Fast-charging networks help, but even the quickest chargers take longer than refueling a hydrogen or petrol vehicle.
- Environmental concerns: Lithium-ion battery production requires rare earth metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which involve energy-intensive mining operations. The disposal of old batteries is another unresolved environmental issue.
Hydrogen fuel cells: A superior alternative?
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles present an attractive alternative, particularly for commercial and heavy-duty applications. Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai have been among the leaders in fuel cell technology, developing models such as the Toyota Mirai, Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, and Hyundai Nexo. Hydrogen fuel cells offer several advantages:
- Longer range and greater power: FCEVs typically have ranges exceeding 400 to 600 miles and can refuel within minutes, making them more viable for long-haul trucking and high-mileage applications.
- Lower environmental impact: When produced using renewable energy sources, hydrogen is a clean fuel that emits only water vapor when used in a fuel cell.
However, hydrogen fuel cells face serious barriers to widespread adoption:
- Lack of refuelling infrastructure: Unlike the growing network of EV charging stations, hydrogen refueling stations are rare, limiting the practicality of FCEVs for consumers.
- Energy-intensive hydrogen production: Most hydrogen today is produced using natural gas in a process that emits carbon dioxide, reducing its green credentials.
- High costs: The production, storage, and transportation of hydrogen remain expensive, making FCEVs less cost-effective compared to BEVs.
Why hasn’t hydrogen taken off yet?
Toyota initially expected hydrogen fuel cells to gain widespread adoption faster, but the technology has faced hurdles. Other automakers, including BMW, Daimler, and General Motors, have also invested in hydrogen fuel cell technology, primarily for heavy-duty and commercial applications rather than passenger cars.
Part of the challenge is the infrastructure deficit. Unlike the rapid expansion of EV charging networks, hydrogen refuelling stations remain sparse, particularly in North America and Europe. Additionally, many automotive companies are prioritising BEVs due to consumer demand, government incentives, and the relative ease of integrating battery technology into existing electric grids.
Hydrogen-rich countries: The potential for expansion
Some countries have natural advantages when it comes to hydrogen production. Iceland, for instance, has abundant geothermal and hydroelectric energy, which could be harnessed to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis.
Other nations, including Australia, Canada, and parts of the Middle East, also have the potential to develop large-scale hydrogen production using renewable energy sources.
Japan and South Korea have been particularly proactive in hydrogen fuel cell research and infrastructure development, with government-backed initiatives supporting hydrogen refuelling networks.
It’s worth noting that there is significant nervousness in geopolitical circles about China’s dominance in lithium mining, as well as rare earth minerals required for all kinds of electronics. So, switching – or at least expanding – the hydrogen ecosystem may help mitigate against the possibility of one single country becoming so powerful.
Is hydrogen fuel cell technology dead?
Despite setbacks, hydrogen fuel cells are far from obsolete. While BEVs have taken the lead in the passenger car market, FCEVs are still considered a strong contender for commercial and industrial applications. Heavy-duty trucks, buses, and even aircraft could benefit from hydrogen’s high energy density and quick refuelling capabilities.
Companies like Nikola, Hyundai, and Daimler are actively developing hydrogen-powered freight trucks, which could transform logistics and transportation industries.
The new diamond battery: A game changer?
One of the most intriguing developments in energy storage is the emergence of diamond batteries. These nuclear waste-powered batteries, still in experimental stages, promise ultra-long lifespans – potentially lasting thousands of years.
If commercialised, they could revolutionise energy storage by providing near-limitless power, reducing reliance on both lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
While diamond batteries are not yet a viable alternative for vehicles, their potential could reshape the energy landscape in the long term. If breakthroughs in high-density, long-lasting batteries occur, they could eliminate the need for hydrogen fuel cells entirely.
The future of automotive energy: A multi-tech approach?
The automotive industry is at a crossroads. Companies must decide whether to focus on battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cells, or a combination of both. Given the strengths and weaknesses of each technology, the future may not be a one-size-fits-all solution.
For passenger vehicles, BEVs will likely continue to dominate due to infrastructure advantages and declining battery costs. However, hydrogen fuel cells remain promising for long-haul transport, commercial fleets, and applications requiring rapid refuelling and high energy density.
Uncertain times: Can automakers afford to ignore any technology?
As automakers navigate the transition away from fossil fuels, they must consider all available technologies. Investing solely in one solution could be risky, especially as energy storage technology continues to evolve. While BEVs have the advantage today, hydrogen fuel cells still hold promise for specific sectors, and emerging technologies like diamond batteries could further shift the landscape.
For now, automotive companies would probably do well to hedge their bets, developing both BEVs and FCEVs while keeping an eye on breakthrough innovations. The next decade will determine which technology ultimately becomes the dominant force – or if multiple solutions will coexist in the new era of transportation.
