Transportation will definitely suffer some major changes in the next few decades. Carmakers are looking at all potential energy sources at the cost of abandoning gas-powered technologies, which, as we know, has a great impact in terms of carbon emissions. Although there might be a possible rivalry between the energy source, we can say that overall, whether it's hydrogen or electric, zero-emission vehicles are now starting to take over the market.
Both have advantages and both have disadvantages, distinguishing characteristics, and various development methods. Some of them are being implemented without even having the necessary market competitiveness and even without adequate infrastructure. Be it as it may, customers will most certainly have to choose between electric and hydrogen automobiles in a few years when they replace their current diesel or gas-powered car.
But now the question is, which one is better? Which is cheaper or safer? Let's review the pros and cons of acquiring either an electric or hydrogen-powered car.
Pros And Cons: Performance And Risks
Both electric cars and hydrogen cars bring improvements in terms of carbon gas emissions and also in performance, but they also have their own complications.
Compared to EVs, hydrogen-powered vehicles have some benefits. They have a 300-mile range, while EVs have a range of roughly 200 miles and in cold conditions, the EV range decreases, while the range of hydrogen-powered vehicles does not. Most critically, a hydrogen engine produces only pure water vapor as exhaust. As a result, there are no emissions. That is to say: “Irrespective of the time of year and the outside temperatures, the hydrogen fuel cell drive combines the best of both drive worlds: the locally emission-free mobility of an electric vehicle and the unrestricted suitability for everyday use” says Jürgen Guldner, Head of BMW Group Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology.
These eco-friendly alternatives also come with some downsides, as evacuation roads do not have any charging stations, which could be a considerable disadvantage for EVs when facing evacuation due to a natural disaster. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is flammable and therefore dangerous if not properly stored or handled. It is heavily compressed for road use, increasing its complexity even more.
Charging Vs Refueling: Time Spent, Network And Costs
There's another bold aspect to consider regarding electric and hydrogen cars. As these energy supplies are relatively new in the market, there's not enough infrastructure to support fuel demand and other features such as price competitiveness. So far, finding a hydrogen fueling station can still turn into much of a headache for some areas in the US. Besides, hydrogen handling is an intricate process and therefore, expensive. Conversely, hydrogen fueling is pretty fast and quicker when comparing it to electric charging. A car powered by hydrogen could take up to 10 minutes to get completely fueled, while an electric vehicle can take up to 45 minutes to charge.
The amount of EV charging stations does not meet the market's demand either. Michelle Krebs, an executive analyst for Cox Automotive, affirms. Most EV users already use an integrated unit, which governments can help to finance, to charge their vehicles at home. For those who reside in apartment complexes or multifamily homes, though, that is less feasible and less likely to occur. Despite the fact of these issues, electric charging is still way cheaper than hydrogen fueling.
What The Future Holds For These Energy Sources
Some company specialists are venturing to believe that hydrogen cars are the future of the automotive industry. The chairman of BMW AG, Oliver Zipse, appears to accept that electric vehicles will eventually become the norm. He is, however, also considering a time after EVs. Additionally, Zipse recently stated in a series of comments that he thinks hydrogen cars will overtake electric vehicles: “After the electric car, which has been going on for about 10 years and scaling up rapidly, the next trend will be hydrogen,” he said. “When it’s more scalable, hydrogen will be the hippest thing to drive.” according to Zipse.
The adoption of electric vehicles will increase thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Despite the fact that EVs are currently a few steps ahead, it will also apply to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Automakers have a stake in both sides, regardless.
Europe will banish internal combustion engines on their roads by 2040, whereas the Biden Administration wants 50% of all cars produced in the United States to be electric by 2030.
In a short period of time, we can expect the network of charging and fueling stations to expand. Biden proposed $7.5 billion for EV charging station infrastructure in August. He also signed the CHIPS Act, which grants subsidies to companies that make semiconductors used in vital components for electric vehicles. Biden has also revealed a $900 million investment in chargers as part of the initial wave of funding for initiatives to build a network across the national highway systems in 35 states.
As there are many challenges ahead of both electric and hydrogen cars still to get resolved, there are many users who are feeling skeptical towards buying a green car for the first time. Therefore, the industry and the infrastructure need to expand and become more competitive as fast as possible to make customers feel comfortable on purchasing eco-friendly vehicles.