Hydrogen is positioned as the great alternative to the battery electric car. Its popularity in the automotive industry is increasing. But did you know that it can be used in very different propulsion systems? We review the main differences between the hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) and hot hydrogen (H2-ICE).
The automobile industry has put the spotlight on the hydrogen as an alternative to the conventional battery electric car. In the process of transition to fully electric mobility, the number of manufacturers that decide to enter the incipient market of hydrogen car is growing fast. Large giants of the automotive industry have decided not to commit to a single technology.
The number of hydrogen cars available on the market is very small. However, the fact that companies at the level of Toyota, BMW or Porsche have decided to research and develop in this field opens the door to the hope that the supply of models will increase in a matter of a few years. Moreover, Toyota itself is leading an alliance of Japanese manufacturers to promote the use of hydrogen.
Video test of the Toyota Mirai, the world’s best-selling hydrogen car is in its second generation
But, which hydrogen technology will prevail in the future? Yes, there are two options on the table for hydrogen to make its way into the passenger car market. The hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV)
and the hot hydrogen (H2-ICE). Although in both cases hydrogen is the main protagonist, they have a very different approach.
At the moment the predominant technology in the hydrogen car market is the fuel cell. The Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo demonstrate that it is possible to develop, manufacture and market hydrogen-powered cars. However, in recent years the so-called hot hydrogen or H2-ICE is being postulated as the best option. The reason? It will save the life of the much-maligned internal combustion engine (ICE).
Let’s briefly review each of these technologies and go one step further by discussing the main differences between the fuel cell and hot hydrogen.
The hydrogen fuel cell
Toyota, Hyundai Motor Group and General Motors have been the main manufacturers that have opted for the hydrogen fuel cell as a sustainable mobility solution in the passenger car market. It is important to consider what a fuel cell is. It is a device capable of transforming chemical energy into electrical energy directly, without intermediate steps. It uses a fuel, an oxidant and three main elements: the electrode, the electrolyte and the bipolar plates.
That is why, although electric cars are considered, fuel cell cars do not have a plug under the “fuel” cap. There is a filler neck similar to the one found in gas cars and that is used for refueling hydrogen. The propulsion system is made up of tanks to store hydrogen, the fuel cell, an electric motor and a high-voltage battery that is mainly lithium-ion.
The hydrogen stored in the tanks and the oxygen coming from outside the vehicle react inside the fuel cell and the result of this reaction is electric current. This electricity is used to propel the vehicle. Another consequence of the generation of such electricity is that two hydrogen atoms (H2) mix with one oxygen (O) and, therefore, water is formed. In a fuel cell electric car there are no polluting emissions. The only “residue” that emanates from the tailpipe is water.
Hot Hydrogen or H2-ICE
It’s time to talk about hot hydrogen or H2-ICE. A technology that is rapidly gaining popularity as for many manufacturers it will be the lifesaver that allows the internal combustion engine to continue to live beyond the year 2035. Date set by Europe for his death. Toyota is also present in this field, a manufacturer to which we must add other giants in the sector such as the BMW Group and, more recently, the Porsche brand.
The H2-ICE engine is, as these acronyms indicate, an internal combustion engine suitably adapted to use hydrogen
as a fuel instead of a traditional fuel (gasoline or diesel). The main modifications are carried out in the fuel injection and ignition system. The fuel tank must also be prepared for hydrogen storage.
There is currently no hydrogen-powered car available on our market. However, brands such as Toyota have already developed functional prototypes that, for example, are being used in the world of competition to continue developing this technology and to be able to apply it to passenger cars in the future.
The differences between the fuel cell and hot hydrogen
Once it has become clear how each of these technologies in which hydrogen is the central pillar works, what are their main differences and/or advantages? Here is a list of the hydrogen fuel cell and hot hydrogen highlights:
The advantages of the hydrogen fuel cell
- There are no polluting emissions
- Silent and comfortable driving
- No limitation of autonomy and charging times
The advantages of hot hydrogen
- Driving experience comparable to a gasoline or diesel car
- Keeps the heat engine alive
- Low emission levels (does not generate CO2)
At this point, and as a final detail, it should be noted that, one or another technology is imposed, they must rely on the green hydrogen. The so-called “energy of the future” will be produced from water and renewable energy. The green hydrogen it does not emit polluting gases, it is easy to store, it can be transformed into electricity and it can even be mixed with natural gas.