Can Hydrogen Overtake Batteries in the Race for Zero-Emission Cars

Do electric cars really produce fewer carbon emissions?

Are electric cars too expensive?

Promise of Hydrogen: Hydrogen is a fascinating element with immense potential. The lightest element in the periodic table, it reacts with oxygen to produce water and release energy, making it appear as the clean fuel of the future. Some top automotive executives hope hydrogen will dethrone batteries as the preferred technology for zero-emission driving. Yet, many critics of electric vehicles argue that we shouldn’t entirely abandon petrol and diesel engines, raising the question: could hydrogen offer a viable third option?

Hydrogen vs. Batteries: Hydrogen and batteries have different uses and efficiencies, and are suited to different applications: 

1.       Energy storage: Hydrogen has a higher energy density by weight than batteries, making it better for storing energy over long periods of time. Hydrogen can store energy for weeks or months, while lithium-ion batteries are better for short-term storage. 

2.       Energy efficiency: Lithium-ion batteries have a higher round-trip efficiency than hydrogen fuel cells (RHFC). Lithium-ion batteries have a round-trip efficiency of 0.83, while RHFCs have a round-trip efficiency of 0.30. 

3.       Energy source: Hydrogen fuel cells are a clean energy source that produce heat and water as byproducts. 

4.       Driving range: Hydrogen cars have a better driving range than electric vehicles (EVs) and can refuel quickly. Hydrogen cars have a driving range of 400–600 miles, while EVs have a driving range of 150–375 miles. 

5.       Scalability: The storage capacity of hydrogen systems can be increased by making the storage tanks larger, which is easier than scaling up battery storage. 

6.       Applications: Hydrogen is suitable for applications that require a high energy content over long distances or durations, such as aviation, shipping, or long-haul trucking. 

Industry Perspectives

1.       Prominent automakers like Toyota and Hyundai are leading proponents of hydrogen technology. Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, predicts that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will peak at 30% market share, with hydrogen and internal combustion engines filling the gap. Toyota’s Mirai and Hyundai’s Nexo are among the few hydrogen-powered vehicles available today.

2.       BMW, another major player, believes that no single technology will enable climate-neutral mobility. Their BMW iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell vehicle reflects this commitment, even as they continue to invest heavily in battery technology.

3.       Proponents argue hydrogen provides faster refueling, higher payloads, and longer ranges than BEVs. For instance, the Mirai offers a 400-mile range and refuels in just four minutes. Stellantis is betting on hydrogen for commercial vehicles, aiming to cut costs and offer solutions for businesses requiring constant vehicle uptime.

Science behind Hydrogen

1.       Hydrogen’s appeal lies in its abundance, but producing it in a clean way is challenging. Most hydrogen today is derived from methane, which generates carbon emissions. Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using clean electricity, is emission-free but energy-intensive.

2.       In vehicles, hydrogen can be burned or used in fuel cells to generate electricity. However, fuel cells rely on costly materials like platinum. Hydrogen also faces significant energy inefficiencies: it takes about three times more electricity to produce hydrogen for a car than to charge a battery directly.

Challenges

1.       Critics like Tesla CEO Elon Musk argue that using green electricity directly to charge batteries is far more efficient than converting it into hydrogen. Energy losses at each conversion stage make hydrogen less practical for passenger cars.

2.       Infrastructure is another major hurdle. Hydrogen is highly flammable, difficult to store, and requires specialized distribution networks. Currently, Europe has only 178 hydrogen refueling stations compared to 31,000 public EV charging points in the UK alone. This lack of infrastructure creates a chicken-and-egg problem: buyers avoid hydrogen cars due to scarce filling stations, and filling stations aren’t built because of low demand.

Future of Hydrogen: Despite these challenges, some experts and organizations still see a role for hydrogen, particularly in heavy-duty transport like buses and trucks. The International Energy Agency estimates hydrogen could account for 16% of road transport by 2050 in a net-zero scenario. Long-distance and commercial applications, where weight and refueling speed are critical, may be where hydrogen finds its niche.

Conclusions:

1.       Hydrogen’s future in passenger vehicles appears limited. Battery technology is advancing rapidly, with substantial investments addressing range and charging concerns. For every hydrogen car sold in the UK over the past 20 years, nearly one million electric cars have hit the roads.

2.       The economics and infrastructure required for hydrogen to compete with batteries in cars seem insurmountable in the near term. Instead, hydrogen advocates must focus on longer-distance, heavy-duty transport and determine whether green hydrogen supplies can be scaled efficiently. For passenger cars, batteries remain the clear frontrunner in the race for zero-emission mobility.

India Shifting from Petrol to Hydrogen Instead of Electric

Elon Musk's Criticism:

a)      Musk called hydrogen-powered cars “mind-bogglingly stupid”.

b)      He argues against hydrogen due to its inefficiency compared to electric vehicles (EVs).

India’s Transition to Green Hydrogen:

a)      India is on the verge of a major fuel transition.

b)      Nitin Gadkari advocates for India to lead in green hydrogen production and export.

c)       Green hydrogen is created using renewable energy through electrolysis, powering fuel cells that emit only water as waste.

Challenges of Hydrogen Adoption:

a)      Producing hydrogen requires significant energy, making it expensive.

b)      Hydrogen must be stored, transported, and used in fuel cells, which involves multiple energy conversions:

c)       Electricity → Hydrogen → Electricity → Motor.

d)      These conversions result in energy loss, reducing overall efficiency.

Efficiency Comparison:

a)      EVs deliver an energy efficiency of 77%, with electricity flowing directly to the motor.

b)      Hydrogen cars have an efficiency of only 33% due to multiple energy conversions.

Elon Musk’s Argument:

a)      Directly using electricity in EVs is more efficient.

b)      Hydrogen’s inefficiency makes it less favorable for passenger vehicles.

Where Hydrogen Excels:

a)      Heavy Vehicles:

I.            EVs are impractical for trucks due to long charging times and bulky batteries.

II.            Hydrogen trucks offer better range and quicker refueling, making them ideal for long-haul transportation.

b)      Heavy Industry:

I.            Industries like steel, cement, and chemicals require intense heat that the grid cannot provide.

II.            Hydrogen, with its high energy density, can replace fossil fuels in these sectors, reducing emissions.

Green Hydrogen Costs:

a)      Green hydrogen is currently expensive.

b)      The Indian government is incentivizing electrolyzer production to lower costs.

c)       Companies like Reliance are driving demand and infrastructure development.

Opportunities for India:

a)      By mastering green hydrogen production, India could position itself as a global energy leader, akin to the Gulf nations for oil.

b)      Exporting green hydrogen could transform India’s economy and energy landscape.

Summary

1.       While EVs dominate passenger vehicles due to their efficiency, hydrogen has potential in heavy vehicles and industries.

2.       India’s focus on green hydrogen could unlock significant economic and environmental benefits, provided the cost barrier is addressed.