Ihydrogen it is a technology that is still relatively rare and not well known to the general public. Not yet sufficiently developed in France, there are currently only two models on sale: Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo. Other manufacturers, however, still

Why choose hydrogen?

Like battery electric cars, hydrogen cars do not pollute when used. This zero-carbon technology generates electricity using two gases: oxygen from outside the cabin and hydrogen stored in the tank. The only emission into the atmosphere is water vapor.

her autonomy is also one of the strengths of the hydrogen car. A light useful model can really travel 100 km with 1 kg of hydrogen. Since the average tank can hold up to 6 kg of fuel, the maximum mileage is estimated at 600 km. The new Nexo from Hyundai even claims a range of 700 km.

In addition, if electric cars take several hours to charge, then it only takes a few hours 3-5 minutes for refueling hydrogen

Full, quick-fill #hydrogen experience has arrived in Pomona, CA! Air Liquide x @FoothillTransit to deploy the first operational advanced mobile gas station 🚚 H2 “on wheels” supplied by the company @airliquidegroupThe largest plant for the production of liquid hydrogen in North Las Vegas.⤵️

— Air Liquide USA (@AirLiquideUSA) January 30, 2023

There are many disadvantages to consider

One of the problems faced by users of hydrogen cars is limited number of service stations operative. In France, there are only about forty of them (of which only 30 are state-owned). In addition, the supply is very limited, knowing that the production cost of fuel cells remains high. Added to this purchase price of a hydrogen car. At the moment, there are two models for sale in France: we find Toyota Miraiavailable from 72,250 euros and an SUV behind Hyundai Nexo from 80,500 euros.

Also keep in mind that the cost of refueling is very expensive. The price of hydrogen ranges from 12 to 15 euros/kg. For a tank with a capacity of 5 kg H₂expect 60 to 75 € for a trip of about 500 km.

What is the future of the hydrogen car?

Nothing has been decided yet on the private market. There seem to be more hydrogen cars contact the professionals who currently own most of the H fleet₂ In France. With some manufacturers, SUVs powered by hydrogen should also see the light of day in France.

In any case, this technology is particularly interesting for heavy-duty vehicles such as SUVs, sedans, professional utilities and trucks, as they require a large lithium battery. However, the latter is too expensive and too limited to cover long distances. Fast charging and autonomy of hydrogen cars will certainly develop the professional car market. For compact and city cars, on the other hand, consumers will probably have to settle for electric models, given the cost of hydrogen and the scarcity of refueling infrastructure.