Why hydrogen fuel cells are the future

In time, could hydrogen fuel cells replace electric batteries?

Electric cars have been hogging the headlines for years now, but there's now another zero-emission technology quietly gathering momentum: hydrogen fuel cells.

While you're probably familiar with battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen cars offer a compelling alternative that could revolutionise how we think about clean motoring.

However, they most likely won’t replace electric, but simply compliment it.

So, what exactly are hydrogen fuel cells, and why are they being hailed as the future of automotive technology? Let's dive in.

What are hydrogen fuel cell cars?

Hydrogen fuel cell cars, or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) as they're officially known, are essentially electric cars with a twist.

Instead of plugging into the wall to charge a massive battery, they generate their own electricity on board using hydrogen fuel.

Here's the clever bit: the car's fuel cell combines hydrogen (stored in high-pressure tanks) with oxygen from the air to create electricity. This electricity then powers the electric motor, just like in a regular EV. 

The only thing that comes out of the exhaust? Pure water vapour.

How do hydrogen cars actually work?

The process is surprisingly elegant. In the fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen undergo what's called reverse electrolysis – the opposite of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.

When these elements combine, they produce electrical energy, heat, and water.

The electricity generated takes two routes: it either goes straight to the electric motor to drive the wheels, or it charges a small buffer battery for later use.

This battery is much smaller and lighter than the one you'd find in a traditional EV, since it's constantly being topped up by the fuel cell.

Just like other electric cars, hydrogen vehicles can also recover energy when braking, feeding it back into the battery system. This is called regenerative braking.

The biggest advantages of hydrogen cars

Lightning-fast refuelling

This is where hydrogen cars really shine.

While electric car owners might spend 30 minutes or more at a rapid charging station, hydrogen cars can be refuelled in just three to four minutes.

That's about the same time it takes to fill up with petrol – and significantly faster than waiting for your EV to charge.

Impressive range

Most hydrogen cars can travel 300-400 miles on a single tank, putting them on par with petrol cars and ahead of many electric vehicles.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen, for example, offers a WLTP Comb range of 313 miles.

Or look at the Toyota Mirai, with a WLTP Comb range of up to 400 miles. Impressive stuff.

Weather-proof performance

Unlike electric cars, which can see their range reduced in cold weather, hydrogen vehicles maintain their full range regardless of temperature.

No more range anxiety when the mercury drops.

Zero local emissions

Just like battery electric cars, hydrogen vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions.

The only thing coming out the back is water vapour – you could literally drink what comes out of the exhaust (though we wouldn't recommend it).

The current challenges

Infrastructure

However, this is changing, with initiatives like H2 MOBILITY working to expand the network across Germany and other European countries.

Interestingly, studies undertaken for Germany show that having both electric charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is actually cheaper overall than building a purely electric charging network alone.

This dual approach could help accelerate the rollout of clean transport infrastructure while keeping costs down.

Other companies are actively involved in developing the infrastructure too, including these automakers:

• Toyota
• Hyundai
• Honda

Or companies such as:

• Air Liquide
• Linde
• Plug Power
• Cummins

Cost

Hydrogen cars are currently more expensive than their electric counterparts.

This is partly due to low production volumes and the need for precious metals like platinum in the fuel cells.

However, as production scales up and technology improves, costs are expected to fall significantly.

Hydrogen production

The environmental benefits of hydrogen cars depend largely on how the hydrogen is produced.

Currently, much of it comes from fossil fuels, though there's growing investment in 'green hydrogen' produced using renewable energy.

Are hydrogen cars safe?

Some people worry about driving around with high-pressure hydrogen tanks, but extensive crash testing has shown these vehicles to be extremely safe.

The tanks are incredibly robust and designed to withstand severe impacts without leaking.

Remember, hydrogen technology isn't new – it's been used safely in refineries and industrial applications for decades.

What does the future hold?

The automotive industry is increasingly viewing hydrogen not as a competitor to battery electric vehicles, but as a complementary technology.

BMW's Chairman Oliver Zipse sees hydrogen as the missing puzzle piece for emission-free mobility, arguing that no single technology will be enough to enable carbon-neutral mobility worldwide.

This dual approach makes economic sense too.

As we mentioned earlier, studies show that building both electric charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure is actually cheaper overall than creating a purely electric network.

Hydrogen technology is even making waves in motorsport through Extreme H racing, where the championship is pioneering hydrogen fuel cell technology in off-road racing conditions.

This high-profile testing ground is helping to accelerate development and prove the technology's capabilities under the most demanding circumstances.

Can you buy a hydrogen car in the UK right now?

While the infrastructure is still developing, a few hydrogen cars are available in the UK, including the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai NEXO.

However, availability is limited, and you'll need to plan your journeys around the small number of hydrogen refuelling stations currently operating.

The bottom line

Hydrogen fuel cells represent an exciting alternative to traditional battery electric vehicles, offering the environmental benefits of zero emissions with the convenience of rapid refuelling and extended range.

While challenges around cost and infrastructure remain, the technology is steadily improving.

As we move towards a carbon-neutral future, having multiple clean technologies available gives consumers choice and helps accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

The question isn't whether hydrogen fuel cells are the future – it's how quickly we can build the infrastructure to support them. And with major manufacturers like BMW, Toyota, and Hyundai investing heavily in the technology, that future might arrive sooner than you think.