Can Hydrogen-Powered Cars Leave EVs in the Rearview?

Can Hydrogen-Powered Cars Leave EVs in the Rearview?

Hydrogen vs. Electric Cars

The collaboration between Honda and GM to develop hydrogen cars, Toyota's ongoing support for hydrogen technology, and the potential for retrofitting traditional gas engines to run on hydrogen might lead some to question the future viability of electric vehicles.

Despite the availability of conversion kits in Europe that transform gas-powered cars to hydrogen, drivers have limited their adoption due to reliability issues. These modifications have often resulted in less dependable vehicles, contrasting sharply with the more reliable performance of electric cars equipped with hydrogen fuel cells.

Now, Toyota has developed a unique hydrogen engine that will run more reliably on hydrogen than a converted gas engine, but it will lack the performance advantages of the more common fuel cell approach. Both types of power have one huge problem: there is no hydrogen infrastructure, and hydrogen generators aren't cheap.

Let's talk about hydrogen-powered cars this week. Then, we'll close with my Product of the Week — a car out of Switzerland called the Microlino. It could be the perfect electric for situations when electric cars work best: short hops.

Hydrogen as a Better Choice
On paper, hydrogen is the better choice to power a car than a battery. This superiority stems from the fact that, in most implementations, you get the attributes of an electric vehicle, which is an exceptionally reliable motor, and you don't get the worst part, which is the battery.

Much like gas tanks don't wear out — although older ones did rust out if you didn't take care of them — hydrogen tanks would be no different because they last indefinitely if maintained properly.

In both cases, fuel delivery systems need to be maintained, and since hydrogen typically is supplied in liquid form, it is under pressure, which adds to the cost and complexity vs. gas; it is still potentially far more dependable than batteries are today.

Toyota's Approach
Toyota's approach of using a special internal combustion engine (ICE) is interesting because you get the ICE experience (engine sound, etc.), but you get the complexity of that engine type, as well.

Internal combustion engines tend to be far less dependable than electric motors because they are more complex. But, if you are used to a gas car, this experience should be quite similar. So, the Toyota approach could be the best bet for someone who wants that gas car roar and feel.

To get a similar experience from an electric motor, you typically have to add engine sounds artificially, a solution that, to date, hasn't been exceedingly popular. Both BMW and the first Fisker did this with mixed results. Electric car owners typically get over the need for sound quickly, particularly when they experience the benefits of massive torque and acceleration from an electric car.

Hydrogen vs. Electric Performance
So, if you are talking about where most automakers are taking hydrogen, like into fuel cell cars, on paper, the hydrogen-powered vehicle is far superior to the electric battery vehicle.

Summary

• Hydrogen-powered cars offer potential advantages over electric vehicles in terms of refueling time and range.
• Toyota's hydrogen engine approach provides a familiar driving experience for those accustomed to gas cars.
• Hydrogen infrastructure and cost remain significant challenges for widespread adoption.
• The Microlino electric car provides a compelling option for short-distance urban driving.