Other than Electric Vehicles, energy industries across the globe are exploring other alternatives to fuel. One of the viable and potential options came to light as hydrogen cars.
In this section, we determine how electric cars vs. hydrogen cars work. We will also discuss the key differences and the pros and cons of each type.
How Do An Electric Car Works?
An electric car uses electricity stored in a lithium-ion battery to power an electric motor, allowing various car elements to operate. These cars’ batteries can be recharged through a power grid.
However, there are different types of electric cars, and some are self-charging through the regenerative braking system. This involves converting the heat produced from braking into electricity and storing it in the battery.
Read 15 Facts You Didn’t Know About Electric Cars
How Do Hydrogen Cars Works?
On the other hand, Hydrogen cars, which also consist of an electric motor, store electricity differently. They use hydrogen fuel cells. The energy conversion system that these cars use involves hydrogen and oxygen working together to produce electricity.
Water vapors are also produced but released in the air as they are of no use to power the engine. The electricity produced charges the battery which then operates like a regular EV.
Like electric charging grids, hydrogen cars are fueled hydrogen stations, though they are currently limited.
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Electric cars vs. hydrogen cars: Comparing Key Factors
Let’s see how electric and hydrogen cars compare with the key factors involved:
Driving Range
As the EVs are available in three major types and each type has a different caliber of cars, each car’s stats vary, including the driving range. Generally, the car’s more expensive, the better driving range it provides.
For example, Tesla’s S long Range model has a driving range of 375 miles, more than any EV currently in the market. This electric car costs $91,190. In comparison, a more budget-friendly Nissan Leaf Acenta offers up to 150 miles on a single charge.
Hydrogen cars whereas offer a much better driving range than their electric opponent. The Hyundai Nexo is one of the few Hydrogen cars in the market and can run up to 414 miles on a full charge.
Not just that, the refueling time takes merely a couple of minutes as opposed to hours of charging electric cars take.
Safety
Hydrogen is a highly flammable substance that makes the safety of the passengers of a hydrogen car an essential factor to consider.
However, energy and auto industries invest billions of dollars into developing their cars with the best technology, and safety is their top priority.
Hydrogen cars are still a developing technology, and many new car entries are using leak-proof designs to prevent hydrogen leakage from any possible point. Moreover, the hydrogen supply is also shut off in an accident.
If the tank is damaged due to unfortunate events or the gas leaks in case of a collision, it will travel rapidly in the air, courtesy of its lighter-than-air quality.
Electric cars have their own set of safety concerns. The batteries can overcharge or overheat due to malfunctioning, resulting in a fire.
However, electric cars have been around for a while, and through trial and error, much of the safety concerns are eliminated.
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Cost
As mentioned earlier, electric cars are available in a long list of varying options with different price ranges.
Although the purchase cost of electric and hydrogen cars is quite similar, the maintenance cost makes the difference.
Electric cars have a larger market, and the demand keeps the battery rental price and charging cost light on the pocket.
However, hydrogen cars have yet to see their share. The lack of competitors and refueling stations has kept its cost higher.
Will Hydrogen Cars Replace Electric Cars?
While hydrogen seems to be the better alternative for fuel consumption, the technology is not developed enough to challenge the market of electric cars.
The latter has an advanced infrastructure worldwide, and auto industries seem adamant about investing in electric cars.
However, given the time to develop the technology for more efficient use and the infrastructure, the future of electricity seems short against hydrogen cars’ benefits.
Advantages like faster refueling, longer driving range, and predictable cost of the hydrogen cars determine that it is the number one contender in replacing fuel-consuming combustion engines.
Whichever of these energy-efficient cars come atop, it is safe to say that they both are environmentally friendly with their emission-less engines and are meant to save conventional fuel for other uses and future generations.
Did you get an idea on Electric cars vs. hydrogen cars?
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My name is Matthew, staying in Seattle, Washington. Electric Vehicles (Electric Cars & Electric bikes) caught my attention for the last few years and my love for electric cars and bikes is everlasting. I spend many of my weekends traveling to various places all over various cities with my electric vehicle (e-bike and electric car). Here I am sharing my expertise, experience, and invaluable information about electric cars and electric bikes. Check out more.