In the pursuit of more sustainable and greener transportation, two prominent alternatives to conventional gasoline vehicles have emerged: hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and electric vehicles (EVs). Both technologies have unique advantages and shortcomings, especially in terms of costs and environmental impact. This article delves into a comparative analysis of these two automotive technologies.

1. Cost to Run:

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs):

• Fueling Cost: Hydrogen prices can vary based on region, production method, and other factors. As of my last update in 2021, hydrogen typically costs between $12 to $16 per kg. A kilogram of hydrogen provides roughly the same energy as 4L of petrol. So, while FCVs are typically two to three times more efficient than internal combustion engines, hydrogen per km can still be more expensive than petrol.
• Maintenance: FCVs have fewer moving parts than conventional vehicles, which can lead to reduced maintenance costs. However, the fuel cell stack, which generates electricity from hydrogen, can be costly to replace.

Electric Vehicles (EVs):

• Charging Cost: Electricity costs vary widely depending on the region, time of day, and source. On average, however, EVs tend to be cheaper to “refuel” than gasoline cars and FCVs, especially if owners can charge at off-peak times or use solar panels.
• Maintenance: Electric vehicles require less maintenance than conventional vehicles because they have fewer moving parts. No oil changes, for instance. The primary maintenance cost might arise from battery replacement, but advancements in battery technology are extending their lifespan.

2. Environmental Impact:

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles:

• Emissions: FCVs are essentially emission-free at the tailpipe, emitting only water vapour.
• Production: The environmental benefit diminishes when you look at hydrogen production. About 95% of hydrogen is currently produced from natural gas in a process called steam methane reforming, which releases significant amounts of CO2. However, if hydrogen is produced using renewable energy through electrolysis (splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen), it can be nearly emission-free but is currently more expensive.
• Infrastructure: Building new hydrogen production facilities, distribution networks, and petrol stations can have environmental costs, especially if they replace rather than supplement renewable energy installations.

Electric Vehicles:

• Emissions: Electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions. However, the total emissions depend on the source of the electricity used to charge them. If charged from a coal-heavy grid, EVs might not be much cleaner than gasoline cars in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Battery Production: Manufacturing lithium-ion batteries can have environmental impacts, particularly concerning mining practices for materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Efforts are ongoing to improve the sustainability of these processes.
• Infrastructure: Building EV charging infrastructure generally has a lower environmental footprint than developing a new hydrogen distribution system. Moreover, as the power grid becomes greener, so does the environmental profile of EVs.

Conclusion:

Both hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and electric vehicles have potential roles in the transition to cleaner transportation. Electric vehicles, with their rapidly expanding infrastructure and decreasing battery costs, currently have the edge in terms of both costs to run and overall environmental impact, especially in regions with a clean power grid.

However, hydrogen has potential benefits for specific applications, like heavy-duty trucks, where long range and quick refueling are crucial. The future might see a blend of both technologies, with the balance determined by advancements in battery technology, hydrogen production methods, and shifts in infrastructure investments.