Currently, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) dominate the market in terms of sales, with numerous models available and a growing number of charging stations, although still not enough. However, the debate continues on whether hydrogen vehicles, also known as fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), may eventually surpass BEVs.
Supporters of hydrogen vehicles view them as a more convenient and environmentally friendly option compared to BEVs. FCEVs use hydrogen to generate electricity, resembling the refueling process of gasoline vehicles. The hydrogen, when combined with oxygen in the fuel cell, produces electricity, with only heat and water as byproducts.
Convenience is king
One of the key advantages of hydrogen vehicles is convenience, as refueling them is faster than recharging BEVs. However, the scarcity and unreliability of hydrogen refueling stations pose a significant challenge, unlike the vast charging infrastructure available for BEVs.
Moreover, the ability to charge BEVs at home further enhances its convenience compared to FCEVs. While FCEVs offer slightly longer ranges, up to around 400 miles, BEVs are rapidly improving their range capabilities.
What about ownership costs?
When it comes to ownership costs, hydrogen fuel is currently more expensive than electricity for BEVs. Also, FCEVs tend to be more costly to maintain due to the complexities of their systems. However, as FCEVs become more mainstream, the cost of hydrogen fuel may decrease, though BEVs remain more cost-effective in terms of maintenance.
Predictions
Despite heavy investments in hydrogen vehicles by some automakers, most have focused on BEVs, making a widespread shift to FCEVs unlikely in the near future. However, hydrogen power may find more success in commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks, and potentially in industries like aviation.
Government initiatives and partnerships between automakers could drive advancements in hydrogen technology, but the dominance of BEVs and the established charging infrastructure suggest that FCEVs may struggle to gain traction in the personal vehicle market.
