The Future Isn’t EVs—It’s Hydrogen

In 2021, Congress approved a $7.5-billion plan under the Biden Administration to build thousands of new electric vehicle charging stations nationwide. However, fewer than 10 stations have actually been built.

Since the bill passed, enthusiasm for EVs has waned significantly. Countries have started to roll back calls for bans on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, some EV owners are switching back to gas, and automakers like General Motors and Ford are diverting more funds to hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

Gas engines continue to emit pollutants, worsening global warming. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 60% chance that 2024 will be the warmest year ever, with a 100% chance it will rank in the top five.

Hydrogen: A Timeless Solution

The answer to our transportation woes may have been around for a long time: hydrogen. Although historically overlooked, hydrogen has powered vehicles since before the turn of the century. Belgian inventor Etienne Lenoir built the first hydrogen-powered “Hippomobile” in 1860.

Modern auto manufacturers began experimenting with hydrogen in the 1970s due to environmental concerns. The technology expanded to military use in the 1980s but lost traction in the US during the 1990s and early 2000s.

In 2008, Honda and Toyota—nudged by the Japanese government—developed the FCHV and Clarity models, respectively, bringing hydrogen cars to consumers. Today, these companies, along with General Motors, Hyundai, and Ferrari, are investing in hydrogen technology.

The Challenge of Scaling Hydrogen

Producing hydrogen on a large scale is complex and costly. General Motors invested $35 billion in hydrogen fuel-cell, EV, and autonomy development through 2025, with Honda contributing $85 million. This partnership included a 70,000-square-foot fuel-cell development facility in Michigan. Honda’s CR-V e

, the company’s first modern hydrogen SUV, will go on sale in California later this year, with an annual target of about 300 units.

However, Honda’s focus is more on growing the hydrogen economy than on immediate consumer sales. Chris Martin, Honda’s Group Lead of Technical, Safety, and Regulatory PR, emphasizes the importance of industrial hydrogen use. Honda recently introduced a hydrogen-powered Class 8 semi-truck that can travel up to 400 miles on a single tank, targeting heavy equipment and long-haul trucking.

Obstacles to Overcome

One of the main issues is the current method of hydrogen extraction, which isn’t clean. As of 2021, over half of US hydrogen production came from natural gas and coal. Renewable energy sources could help, but clean hydrogen production on a mass scale is still years away.

Hydrogen production is also energy-intensive, with about 60% of energy lost during electrolysis. Additionally, hydrogen is costly to produce and use. Prices have reached as high as $36 per kilogram, making hydrogen vehicles expensive to operate compared to traditional and electric vehicles.

Infrastructure is another challenge. Building hydrogen fueling stations is significantly more expensive than EV charging stations. Currently, there are only 53 hydrogen fueling stations for consumers in the US, mostly in California.

Safety concerns also exist, but advancements in fuel cell technology have made hydrogen vehicles safer. Honda’s fourth-generation fuel cell, for example, features increased durability and crash resistance.

The Path Forward

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of hydrogen are substantial. Refueling a hydrogen car takes only five minutes, and the only emission is water vapor. Modern hydrogen fuel cells are also less affected by extreme temperatures.

Government support is crucial. The Department of Energy recently invested $750 million in hydrogen projects to improve technology and reduce costs. However, consistent and robust investment is needed to make hydrogen viable on a large scale.

Conclusion

Hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize transportation, offering quick refueling, reduced range anxiety, and minimal environmental impact. With sustained investment and innovation, hydrogen vehicles could become mainstream within the next 15 years, providing a viable alternative to both traditional and electric vehicles.