Hydrogen vs. Electric Vehicles: Which is the Future?

Green options have become the preferred choice for every industry as the world moves towards sustainability. One of the major sectors that has experienced a shift is the automobile industry. Engineers are designing electric vehicles as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ones. Customers are also shifting from petrol and diesel to EVs. According to Statista reports, the electric vehicle revenue is projected to reach US$ 784.2 billion by 2025.

However, there’s a new sustainable solution in the automobile market, i.e., hydrogen vehicles. They are in the news for slowly taking over the industry. One might wonder who would win the battle between hydrogen vs. electric vehicles. Would hydrogen vehicles shift the dynamics, or would the latter stick to the top position?

In this blog, we break down the meaning and features of hydrogen and electric vehicles. It will help us understand what lies ahead.

Hydrogen Vehicles: An Overview

A hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle operates on renewable hydrogen and oxygen. Instead of the traditional vehicles that emit harmful emissions, this one releases only water vapour. The car contains a tank that stores the gas and fuels the vehicle.

An electrochemical reaction takes place when high-pressure hydrogen comes in contact with oxygen and is transferred to the fuel cells. During the reaction between the cathode and anode, hydrogen molecules are divided into water and electricity. The battery stores this resultant electricity and passes current to the motor, moving the wheels as a result.

Electric Vehicles: An Overview

As the name suggests, an electric vehicle operates on electricity instead of petrol, diesel, or gas. It includes a lithium-ion battery with an electric current that drives the motor. This battery is responsible for powering the vehicle. The owner can charge the battery from a charging station, available at multiple localities nowadays.

The assembled battery powers the electric motor to create acceleration and torque. This system also controls the flow of energy between the motor and battery. The regenerative braking system of an EV restores energy into the battery when the driver puts the brakes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydrogen and Electric Vehicles

Both are sustainable solutions in the automobile sector. However, which one shall prevail in the battle of hydrogen vs. electric vehicles? We have listed down the pros and cons of both vehicles to help you decide:

Hydrogen Vehicles

Pros

• Refuelled quickly, making it a time-saving process for the drivers.
• Faster and cover a distant range with a single fuel tank.
• Emits only water vapour and is an emission-free vehicle.

Cons

• There are not many refuelling stations for hydrogen vehicles, making them an inconvenient option so far.
• The vehicle itself is quite costly, and the refuelling charges also differ from country to country.
• Hydrogen car production is energy-intensive and has to rely on several non-renewable sources.

Electric Vehicles

Pros

• Electric vehicles are becoming common, which is why they have an efficient infrastructure and more charging stations.
• They do not produce emissions or pollution, and run silently.
• The cost of vehicles and battery recharge is cost-efficient, especially compared to hydrogen cars.
• Battery-powered cars don’t include moving parts, making them a reliable and low-maintenance option.

Cons

• The lithium-ion batteries take time to charge and have a limited range.
• The battery’s lifespan is limited, so it is important to replace it more frequently.
• The refuelling stations are still limited and are in the development phase.

Hydrogen vs. Electric Vehicles: What’s the Difference?

Neither of them produces fumes or emissions. However, comparing the parameters is important to decide between hydrogen and electric vehicles.

Let’s explore the difference between hydrogen and electric vehicles:

Efficiency

• Hydrogen Vehicles: The chemical energy is converted to electrical energy, which is a complex and inefficient process of operating a vehicle.
• Electric vehicles: The vehicle utilises 80% of the energy for power and even has a regenerative braking system.

In terms of efficiency, an electric vehicle is a clear winner.

Driving Range

• Hydrogen Vehicles: A hydrogen car provides a good average of 400 to 600 miles on a full tank.
• Electric vehicles: The driving range capacity depends on the vehicle you purchase and typically ranges between 150 and 400 miles. A more expensive vehicle with a bigger battery provides a better average.

Hydrogen vehicles are a better choice for individuals focusing on the driving range.

Refuelling Time and Station Availability

• Hydrogen Vehicles: The refuelling time is shorter for hydrogen vehicles, as it takes merely 5 to 10 minutes. However, limited stations are available currently.
• Electric vehicles: The vehicles take a longer time to refuel, almost 6 to 8 hours for 100% charging. However, the charging station availability is much better than for hydrogen cars.

Hydrogen vehicles win in terms of time, while electric vehicles are better for convenience.

Environmental Impact

• Hydrogen Vehicles: Hydrogen fuel cells release water vapour and filter out the fine dust particles from the environment. That’s why they are completely environmentally friendly and sustainable.
• Electric vehicles: Electric vehicles have cobalt and lithium materials, which result in environmental damage. Although the car itself doesn’t cause air pollution, there’s a significant impact at the production stage. The development and disposal of batteries result in resource depletion and pollution.

Hydrogen succeeds electric vehicles when it comes to environmental protection.

Performance

• Hydrogen Vehicles: The fuel tank performs for longer hours, without needing a continuous recharge.
• Electric vehicles: Although EVs perform well. However, they take a long time to recharge, making people feel that the option isn’t worth it.

Safety

• Hydrogen Vehicles: The vehicle uses hydrogen gas, which is extremely flammable. However, the manufacturers use safety precautions and advanced designs to make the experience less risky.
• Electric vehicles: Lithium-ion batteries can quickly burn if exposed to fire. That’s why these vehicles come with unique challenges. However, this is a rare occurrence.

In terms of safety, electric vehicles are a better choice than hydrogen vehicles.

Cost

• Hydrogen Vehicles: Since the production is still minimal, the manufacturing cost is high. That’s why hydrogen cars are limited and expensive.
• Electric vehicles: The cost of electric vehicles depends on the model and brand.

The cost of electric vehicles is less than that of hydrogen cars. Therefore, the former is a better choice for buyers looking for budget-friendly options.

The Future of Hydrogen vs. Electric Vehicles

Now comes the main question: which vehicle will win the race? Hydrogen or electric? In the current scenario, hydrogen cars have limited production and refuelling stations. That’s why customers still prefer electric vehicles. Although the former provides better efficiency in the long run and is more environmentally friendly, the latter holds the fort for being economical and easily available. So, it is yet to be decided whether hydrogen vehicles will be able to defeat electric vehicles. For now, the latter is a clear-cut winner.