Story by Abdullah Tariq

In the movie Terminator: Rise of Machines, we caught a glimpse of the Series 850 Terminator harnessing the immense power of twin hydrogen fuel cells. Although not fresh, this concept of using hydrogen fuel cells as the power source always piques our interest since it points towards the boundless potential of the technology, especially when we see its uses within the automotive sphere.

So, if we transition from reel to real life, we'd quickly discover that the Chevrolet Electrovan from General Motors is the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle introduced way back in 1966. 

Today's hydrogen-powered electric vehicles have come a long way to offer the promise of high performance along with vastly improved efficiency and safety. Most importantly, they now have the potential to help us "terminate" our dependency on fossil fuels. You noticed what we did here?

There’s no denying the fact that BEVs also provide a zero-emission, cost-effective alternative to traditional, fuel-thirsty cars. However, it's crucial to note that while both types of eco-friendly vehicles share certain benefits, they are not identical, and each has unique advantages and drawbacks. Understanding these distinctions is key before making a purchase decision. While we know about the many advantages of electric cars, there are certain aspects where hydrogen electric vehicles distinguish themselves from their battery-powered counterparts.

The Charge-Less Charm

One of the primaries "now, that's a pickle" moments for people considering transitioning from combustion vehicles to electric ones is the considerably longer charging time. Now, you might argue that some of the fastest-charging electric vehicles are available, such as the impressive Kia EV 6, which takes only 18 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent (assuming you're at a fast-charging station). But the reality is that EV owners can expect to spend anywhere from a few minutes to several hours charging their vehicles.

And when you compare this to the average two-minute refuel time of gas cars, charging an electric car can seem like an eternity. Conversely, refueling a hydrogen electric vehicle is as quick as filling up your traditional gas car. This represents the substantial advantage hydrogen cars hold over battery electric vehicles — a benefit that could win over even the most loyal supporter of electric cars.

The Kick-Ass Driving Ranges of Hydrogen Cars

Electric vehicles have made significant strides in the past few years with enhanced performance, features, and better batteries. However, range anxiety remains a lingering concern, pretty much like chronic back pain that never goes away. Despite U.S. electric cars setting a record with an average range of almost 300 miles, they still lag behind gas cars. And when it comes to hydrogen electric cars, you wave goodbye to range anxiety like it never existed in the first place.

After all, hydrogen cars can achieve 300 to 400 miles of range on a single tank of hydrogen, which, as mentioned earlier, can be refueled as quickly as a standard car's gas tank. Take the example of the 2023 Toyota Mirai, one of the top hydrogen cars on the market, which boasts over 400 miles of range with its XLE model. Also, the 2024 Hyundai Nexo is expected to have a range of almost 500 miles. So, it's no surprise that the extended driving range is a primary factor contributing to the increasing popularity of hydrogen cars.

The Reliability Factor in Extreme Temperatures

Time and time again, we've come across electric vehicles struggling in cold weather. Even a renowned EV company has been sued for making a false range claim about its vehicles in cold weather. With an EV, range anxiety seeps into our fears as the battery quickly drains due to our attempts to keep the inside of the vehicle warm. In fact, one study found that EVs can lose up to 30 percent of their range when temperatures dip below freezing. In contrast, hydrogen electric vehicles offer a promising solution to this drawback.

They have demonstrated a super impressive resilience to extreme weather conditions, delivering consistent performance and maintaining their range, regardless of the temperatures outside. BMW tested the hydrogen-powered iX5 in the Arctic Circle, known for some of the earth's most extreme temperatures. And the BMW iX5 demonstrated unflinching performance and maintained its range, which speaks volumes about the potential of FCEVs.

They Outshine BEVs With Lighter Weight and More Efficiency

The average weight of an electric car is around 4,000 pounds. BEVs tend to be heavier than gasoline and hydrogen-powered vehicles due to the inclusion of larger batteries (which alone can weigh around 1,200 lbs.) and the reinforced skeleton and beefed-up suspension necessary for protecting these massive energy packs. That's why you can see the Tesla Model X Plaid version tipping the scales at a staggering 5,390 pounds.

On the other hand, a hydrogen electric vehicle is a more streamlined and nimbler competitor with a compact and lightweight hydrogen fuel cell system. In an FCEV, hydrogen fuel is specifically used to power a fuel cell. The fuel cell stack harnesses the chemical energy of hydrogen and converts it directly into electrical power without the need for combustion.

Hence, this streamlining of energy use results in superior and consistent efficiency for FCEVs. The word 'consistent' is important here since an electric vehicle's efficiency can change depending on the fluctuating temperatures and charge/discharge cycles.

Related: The Future Of Hydrogen-Electric Vehicles

The Lightning-Fast Acceleration

The design of hydrogen electric vehicles does more than just lighten the load – it unlocks a whole new level of acceleration and increased top speeds. The absence of weighty batteries in a hydrogen vehicle gives it a distinct acceleration advantage, enabling the hydrogen fuel cells to power an electric motor more efficiently. This setup results in quicker acceleration compared to a BEV of similar output. Looking for a prime example?

Well, the Hyperion XP-1 rockets from zero to 60 mph in an eye-watering 2.2 seconds and has a top speed of 220 mph. Most importantly, it achieves these insane numbers while weighing only 2,275 pounds. In stark contrast, even the fastest electric vehicle on the market, the Rimac Nevera, bears a significant load (weighing 5,100 pounds).

No Use of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The increasing demand for rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles has led to an exponential surge in global lithium demand. We all know what happens when there's an imbalance between supply and demand. Already, the battery market is grappling with a lithium shortage, and experts warn that this could stall the momentum of the EV revolution (something which is equally bad for BEVs and FCEVs).

Adding to these concerns, lithium prices have skyrocketed in recent years. In 2022 alone, the price of lithium increased by over 400-percent. On the other hand, hydrogen fuel cells offer a significantly higher energy storage density than lithium-ion batteries. When comparing this advantage to the fuel cells used in hydrogen vehicles, it's easy to see why many view hydrogen electric vehicles as the future of sustainable transportation.

Related: Debunking The Myths: Why You Shouldn’t Fear Hydrogen-Powered Cars

The Impressive Durability of Hydrogen Electric Vehicles

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles can be more durable than their EV counterparts. It is largely attributable to the absence of a substantial battery pack, which can be vulnerable to impact damage, extreme temperature fluctuations, and let's not forget, degradation in battery performance with charge and discharge cycles over time. The durability factor matters a lot, especially when you consider the fact that replacing an EV battery is an expensive affair.

Don't just take our word for it. One Tesla owner didn't want to pay an absurd $22,000 battery replacement bill and decided to blow up his Model S with dynamite! This is a problem you won't face with a hydrogen-electric vehicle. When it comes to longevity, durability, and reliability, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle can last almost as long as a conventional combustion-engine vehicle. And, if you ask Toyota, it claims that its Mirai model has a fuel cell stack engineered to last for the car's entire lifetime.

The Compatibility with Existing Fuel Station Infrastructure

While over 130,000 public EV charging stations are currently scattered across the U.S., the looming demand surge suggests these numbers will fall significantly short of what we'll need soon. A substantial investment to expand the current EV charging infrastructure is the only way to respond to this inevitable surge in demand. On the flip side, hydrogen cars bring a compelling advantage to the table: the potential to incorporate hydrogen fueling stations into existing gasoline stations.

This adaptability could help pave a path for easier infrastructure development. It seems to be the case since Shell has an ambitious plan to roll out 2,500 fuel cell trucks and 50 hydrogen stations by 2025. Producing and storing hydrogen is still a problem. But, if we can overcome these challenges, the possibility of a hydrogen-propelled future looks promising.

Related: The Hydrogen Electric Vehicle Revolution Is Coming

The Ease of Transition to Hydrogen Electric Vehicles

A recent poll by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago and the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that nearly half of Americans are hesitant to consider an EV as their next car purchase.

Two primary factors drive this hesitance: the higher upfront costs of EVs and a lack of charging options. This concern is further compounded for individuals who frequently drive long distances, for whom the EV's range and charging time can pose a significant inconvenience. Considering these insights, hydrogen-electric cars could present a more attractive alternative to potential buyers.

Hydrogen fueling stations offer a similar experience to traditional gasoline stations, allowing drivers to refuel their vehicles in as little as three to five minutes. This is a stark contrast to the EV charging process, which often requires several hours with a home setup. Moreover, transitioning to a hydrogen electric vehicle doesn't necessitate a drastic lifestyle overhaul.

Hydrogen Vehicles Are Potentially More Eco-Friendly

Given that the U.S. relies on fossil fuels for about 60 percent of its electricity production and that lithium mining for EV batteries adversely impacts air, water, and wildlife habitats, one might wonder if hydrogen fuel could be the less ecologically damaging alternative. Lithium and cobalt mining undeniably harm the environment, and the issue doesn't cease once mining operations conclude.

This is due to the average service life of an EV battery, which ranges from 8 to 12 years. And improper disposal can contaminate water sources and disrupt ecosystems (something that we're already witnessing in China). But when it comes to hydrogen fuel, it can be derived from various sources, including fossil fuel plants. Hydrogen is, in fact, a byproduct of several industrial processes. Today, experts are devising numerous methods to produce hydrogen fuel, including thermal processes and electrolysis, as well as innovative approaches such as biological and solar-driven processes.