What is exhausted from a hydrogen car?

Out of the exhaust comes water so pure you could drink it (but shouldn’t). The energy is created in the fuel cell by reacting the hydrogen in the tanks with oxygen from the air over what is called a “proton exchange membrane” and the end result is electricity and water.

How efficient is a hydrogen engine?

The hydrogen produced has to be compressed, chilled and transported to the hydrogen station, a process that is around 90% efficient. Once inside the vehicle, the hydrogen needs converted into electricity, which is 60% efficient. Finally the electricity used in the motor to move the vehicle is is around 95% efficient.

Are hydrogen cars environmentally friendly?

The biggest advantage to a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle is that it only produces water and air, which are not harmful to the environment. Driving hydrogen fuel-cell powered cars would eliminate greenhouse gases and help reduce air pollution.

Are there any disadvantages to a hydrogen car?

One major disadvantage of hydrogen fuel cars is that they are pretty expensive. New hydrogen cars are usually sold much higher compared to conventional cars. Also, electric cars are usually much cheaper. Therefore, from an economic standpoint, hydrogen cars are not yet an investment case.

Which is less efficient a BEV or a hydrogen car?

Some experts maintain that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are less efficient overall when compared to a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

Is the cost of hydrogen fuel cell cars competitive?

By 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy believes, the cost of hydrogen used in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) will be competitive on a cost-per-mile basis with the fuels used in other types of vehicles, such as the gasoline in hybrid-electric vehicles. But, the hydrogen fueling infrastructure is in its infancy.

What’s the difference between electric and hydrogen cars?

Heading into 2020, the primacy of battery electric vehicles as our propulsion future seems absolute, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles seem to be nothing but a diversion. How did we get here, and is hydrogen a lost cause?