Topic in hydrogen fuel cell studied for many years in the automotive sector. It allows you to drive on 100% electric motorization, without the disadvantages of the latter, namely long downtime due to recharging its battery.

With a hydrogen fuel cell, a full tank can be filled in 3-4 minutes, compared to several tens of minutes or even more than an hour, depending on the model, for an electric car battery. The best of both worlds?

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Hydrogen homes on wheels: solutions are evolving

A few years ago, Mercedes presented a concept in cooperation with Hymer a mobile home on hydrogen fuel cells : Sprinter F-Cell concept. Thanks to the 4.5-kilogram hydrogen tanks located under the floor, the model provides a range of approximately 300 km. The electric motor of the model produces a comfortable 200 horsepower with 350 Nm of torque.

The Stellantis group is also actively working on hydrogen and since last year has been selling three hydrogen-powered SUVs: the Peugeot e-Expert, the Citroën ë-Jumpy and the Opel Vivaro-e. The models have three tanks for storing hydrogen, as well as a fuel cell. The 100% electric motor is also powered by a 10.5kWh battery that provides up to 400km of autonomy, including 50km thanks to the electric battery: enough to be an all-electric alternative.

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Hydrogen motorhomes: Obstacles still remain

Renault also has a solution: the French manufacturer recently introduced the Master H2-Tech, a fuel cell utility. The principle is the same as the Stellantis: the fuel cell is supported by a 33 kWh battery, which allows it to offer a total range of 500 km, of which 100 km is thanks to the battery.

If the hydrogen fuel cell solution couldn’t be more attractive, there are obstacles in practice. Really, production of hydrogen is mostly done using fossil fuels and is a very energy-intensive operation. However, there is also green hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energy sources, and this energy is trending.

Hydrogen Motorhomes: Not Yet?

There is also a problem of distribution: indeed, hydrogen dispensing stations still rare throughout the area, and currently only about thirty of them. From this point of view, many more investments and efforts are needed to see this energy democratize with the public.

For both commercial and recreational vehicles, hydrogen is a promising technology of the future, but unfortunately, at the time of writing, it is not yet mature.

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