Hydrogen-powered vehicles represent a promising avenue in the race for zero-emission transportation, but they remain relatively rare compared to electric vehicles (EVs). Due to the limited hydrogen fueling infrastructure, there are only about 17,000 hydrogen-powered cars on U.S. roads, all concentrated in California. In contrast, electric vehicles are already in the millions. While electric cars are making significant strides towards mainstream adoption, hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFCVs) like the Hyundai Nexo offer an alternative with unique advantages and challenges. Toyota recently introduced an engine that combines traditional combustion technology with zero-emission potential, shaking the foundations of the automotive industry.
What are Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles?
Hydrogen cars, like the Hyundai Nexo, Honda Clarity (now discontinued), and Toyota Mirai, operate on a different principle compared to EVs. While EVs use electricity stored in large batteries to power an electric motor, HFCVs produce electricity on the go using a fuel-cell stack. This process involves hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) from the air, generating electricity to power the vehicle’s motor. Water vapour is the only byproduct emitted from the tailpipe, making hydrogen cars a zero-emission option.
Although hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, it is rarely found in its pure state. Hydrogen must be separated from compounds like natural gas or water to fuel hydrogen cars, which requires significant energy. Most of today’s hydrogen is derived from fossil fuels, making it less environmentally friendly unless cleaner production methods are developed.
The Hyundai Nexo and its Competitors
The Hyundai Nexo stands out as one of the few hydrogen-powered SUVs on the market, boasting an EPA-estimated range of around 380 miles. Despite its promise, Hyundai has only sold about 1,600 Nexos since its launch in 2015, underscoring the slow uptake of hydrogen vehicles. Toyota has led the hydrogen market with its Mirai sedan, selling over 14,300 units in the U.S. since its debut. However, the hydrogen car market is still in its infancy, with limited production numbers and high costs.
Another notable hydrogen vehicle entering the market is the upcoming 2025 Honda CR-V e: FCEV, which combines a hydrogen fuel cell with a plug-in hybrid battery. This combination provides a dual-energy solution, offering up to 241 miles from hydrogen and 29 miles of electric range, making it a versatile option for environmentally conscious drivers.
Challenges Facing Hydrogen Cars
While hydrogen cars offer advantages such as fast refuelling times (around five minutes) and longer ranges than many EVs, the technology faces significant hurdles. The main issue is the lack of hydrogen fueling stations. California, the only state with a meaningful hydrogen network, has fewer than 60 stations, and many are not consistently online. This limitation makes long-distance travel or the widespread adoption of hydrogen cars difficult.
Additionally, the cost of hydrogen fuel is high. As of 2023, hydrogen can cost up to $36 per kilogram, making it more expensive than gasoline and significantly pricier than electricity for EVs. This cost barrier, coupled with infrastructure issues, presents major obstacles to the growth of the hydrogen car market.
The Future of Hydrogen Cars
Despite the challenges, hydrogen-powered vehicles remain a key part of the conversation around sustainable transportation. For now, though, their adoption is likely to remain limited unless infrastructure issues are addressed and hydrogen production costs decrease. Brands like Hyundai and Toyota continue to innovate in this space, but electric vehicles may continue to dominate the zero-emission landscape in the foreseeable future. However, the Hyundai Nexo and its peers offer a glimpse of a hydrogen-powered future—if the world is willing to invest in it.
