Hydrogen Fuel Cells Target Broader Applications

Unfortunately, hydrogen has seen limited success in the passenger car market so far, and the same can largely be said for other vehicles like buses. Honda was one of the companies (alongside Toyota, Hyundai, and BMW) that sold hydrogen-powered cars before discontinuing the Clarity in 2017. The challenges stem partly from the near-total lack of refueling infrastructure and somewhat more complex refueling procedures (although these have been significantly simplified). Another difficulty is the potential danger associated with storing hydrogen fuel at high pressure; even minor damage or failure of the tank could pose a risk.

Automakers are now shifting their focus towards work machinery and construction equipment. Their theory is that it will be easier to establish hydrogen refueling stations for vehicles operating within confined areas or specific sites.

Hydrogen fuel cells use compressed hydrogen as fuel and emit only water vapor as exhaust. Recently, several automakers have embraced the technology, seeing its advantages for developing heavy-duty vehicles and mobile power generators – and as a potential pathway to further transition away from polluting gasoline-powered vehicles. The promise sounds appealing: produce hydrogen using renewable energy sources, then use it with only water vapor as a byproduct.

Hydrogen has a low volumetric energy density, making storage a challenge. It requires either high pressure, low temperatures, or chemical processes for compact storage (and 'high pressure' here means significant pressure: 700 bar / ~10,000 psi). However, at this immense pressure, just 1 kg of hydrogen can provide a standard-sized passenger car with a range of about 100 km (approx. 62 miles).

In the United States, new tax guidelines are under consideration to make hydrogen production cheaper, thereby creating an alternative to fossil fuels. Unfortunately, the vast majority of hydrogen is currently produced not from renewable sources, but using fossil fuels, primarily through a process called steam methane reforming (SMR), which results in carbon dioxide emissions. Methane itself is an even more potent greenhouse gas than CO2, and it routinely leaks throughout the supply chain, from production to end-use (despite promises from the large companies involved in production).

Despite these challenges, hydrogen technology holds immense potential. Therefore, it's encouraging to see companies continuing to invest in its development despite the initial difficulties. If the hurdles related to storage and production can be overcome, we could create a cleaner and more livable future.