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Time Business News

Will vehicles really run on hydrogen in the future?

The potential for vehicles to run on hydrogen in the future is significant, but it's also accompanied by considerable challenges. Here's a breakdown of the current outlook: How Hydrogen Vehicles Work: Hydrogen vehicles typically fall into two main categories: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs): These cars combine hydrogen gas with oxygen from the air in a fuel cell stack. This chemical reaction produces electricity, which powers an electric motor to drive the wheels. The only byproduct is water vapor, making them zero-emission at the tailpipe. Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) Vehicles: These vehicles burn hydrogen directly in an internal combustion engine, similar to gasoline engines, but with far lower emissions. Some companies are developing these as an alternative to FCEVs, especially for heavy-duty applications. Advantages of Hydrogen Vehicles: Zero Tailpipe Emissions: FCEVs only emit water vapor, contributing to cleaner air. H2-ICE vehicles also have significantly reduced emissions compared to fossil fuels. Long Driving Range: Hydrogen vehicles generally offer longer driving ranges than many battery electric vehicles (BEVs), comparable to gasoline cars. Fast Refueling: Refueling a hydrogen FCEV takes only a few minutes, similar to filling up a gasoline car, which is a major advantage over the longer charging times of BEVs. Suitability for Heavy-Duty Transport: Hydrogen is particularly promising for heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses due to its high energy density and fast refueling, which are crucial for long-haul operations. Challenges and Roadblocks: Despite the advantages, several significant hurdles need to be overcome for widespread hydrogen vehicle adoption: Infrastructure Development: This is arguably the biggest challenge. There's a severe lack of hydrogen refueling stations globally. Building a comprehensive network is capital-intensive and requires significant investment and coordination. High Costs: Vehicle Costs: Hydrogen FCEVs are currently more expensive to manufacture due to the specialized materials (like platinum catalysts in fuel cells) and complex technology involved. Hydrogen Production Costs: While hydrogen is abundant, extracting it, especially 'green hydrogen' (produced using renewable energy via electrolysis), is currently expensive and energy-intensive. 'Grey hydrogen' produced from fossil fuels is cheaper but doesn't offer the same environmental benefits unless coupled with carbon capture. Refueling Station Costs: Building a hydrogen refueling station can cost significantly more than a traditional petrol or EV charging station. Storage and Transportation: Storing and transporting hydrogen, especially in its gaseous form, is more complex and costly than liquid fuels due to its low density and flammability. Competition from Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): BEVs have a head start in terms of development, infrastructure, and consumer adoption. Rapid advancements in battery technology (capacity, charging speed) and expanding charging networks make BEVs a strong competitor, especially for passenger cars. Public Perception and Safety: As hydrogen is highly flammable, addressing public perception and ensuring stringent safety standards for its production, storage, and use in vehicles is crucial. Component Degradation and System Complexity: Fuel cell technology is still evolving, and challenges like component degradation and the complexity of the systems need further research and development. Future Prospects and Timeline: Despite the challenges, there's a strong belief in the long-term potential of hydrogen, especially for specific applications: Government Initiatives and Investment: Governments worldwide are investing in hydrogen research, infrastructure development, and incentivizing its adoption as part of their decarbonization strategies. The National Green Hydrogen Mission in India is an example of such commitment. Focus on Commercial Vehicles: Hydrogen is expected to gain traction first in commercial fleets (buses, trucks, trains, and even ships) due to its advantages in range and refueling time for heavy-duty and long-distance transport. Technological Advancements: Continued R&D is aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing the durability of fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems. Partnerships and Collaborations: Automakers, energy companies, and technology providers are forming partnerships to accelerate the development and commercialization of hydrogen-powered vehicles and infrastructure. Gradual Adoption: While widespread adoption for passenger cars might take longer, hydrogen vehicles are expected to play an increasingly important role in the overall clean energy transition, likely complementing BEVs rather than replacing them entirely. Some predictions see significant growth in the hydrogen automotive market by 2035. In conclusion, vehicles very well might run on hydrogen in the future, particularly in certain sectors like heavy-duty transport and long-haul logistics. However, it's not a certainty for all vehicle types, and its success hinges on overcoming significant infrastructure, cost, and technological hurdles, alongside continued policy support and public acceptance. TIME BUSINESS NEWS