How to hydrogen cars work?

In a world where we are effectively moving towards a sustainable mobility, hydrogen cars present themselves as one of the trendy alternatives. Hydrogen, being the most abundant element in the universe and on Earth, can be obtained through aprocesses involving renewable energies. That is why its potential is undeniable, but… are hydrogen cars the future of sustainable mobility?

This article will go in depth on how they work, their advantages and disadvantages and the parts this vehicle uses. Furthermore, we will give you an ANSWERS to the most intriguing question: are they the future?

What is a and how does a hydrogen car and work?

Hydrogen cars are alternative vehicles using an electric motor. Different from conventional electric cars, hydrogen cars generate electricity autonomously through a fuel cell.  

Hydrogen car types

There are two main types:

Vehicles using hydrogen as combustible

These vehicles work similarly to conventional internal combustion motors. However, instead of exhausting polluting gas they only release water. They are just in a test phase of development, however they pose an interesting option for the future.

Fuel cell vehicles (FCEV)

FCEVs are capable of turning hydrogen into electric energy. This electricity is saved in a battery and powers the electric motor. Its functioning is similar to the electric vehicle but instead of using a rechargeable battery, the energy comes from the fuel cell. If green-sourced hydrogen is used, carbon footprint is practically neutral, that is why these vehicles enjoy the zero-emission environmental label granted by DGT.

This vehicle’s functioning is based on a chemical process called electrolysis. During this process, some chemical component’s elements are separated by electricity creating a reduction reaction (release of electrons) and oxidation (electron capture). 

The hydrogen required for electrolysis is saved in one or several tanks usually located under the back seats or the trunk. This hydrogen is combined with oxygen in the combustible battery to produce water and electricity. The electricity is saved in the fuel cell and is used to power the motor while the water is eliminated as vapor through the exhaust tube.

Advantages of hydrogen cars

• Zero emissions: hydrogen cars do not produce polluting gases and are granted a ZERU label by that DGT.
• Fast charging time: in contrast to electric vehicles, these vehicles can recharge in minutes similarly of filling up a fuel tank.

Disadvantages of hydrogen cars

• Price: they are more expensive that conventional vehicles
• Limited infrastructure: the lack of hydrogen charging stations is an obstacle.

Components of a hydrogen car

Now, we are going to detail the key components of a hydrogen car:

• Chasis / Platform. This is the vehicle base which holds the rest of the car components. Companies belonging to our initiative such as Autofren Seinsa, Doga, Dys Ir, Frenkit, Gestamp, Grupo Azpiaran, Icer Brakes, RTS, S.A, Sadeca and Talosa manufacture this type of cars parts.
• Hydrogen tank. This is the place where the hydrogen is saved to be used as combustible.
• Fuel cell. This component turns hydrogen into electricity. This electricity is the one used to power the car’s motor.
• The electric motor. This is the motor which runs the car. It is powered by the electricity generated in the fuel cell. The companies Airtex, Anglí Industrias, FAE Francisco Albero, GJM, Sadeca and Tecnodiesel Murcia are devoted to manufacturing electric equipment for cars.
• Battery. Hydrogen cars usually have a battery which saves extra power. This energy can be used when more power is needed, for instance, during an acceleration.
• Control system. The system manages the energy flow through the other car components. It ensures that every part of the car receives the energy it needs to work properly.

The Spanish automotive suppliers, as part of the investment in sustainable mobility, have been already researching for years on how to contribute to the hydrogen car development. An example of this is FAE testing, from 2021, several materials for the solid oxide’s fuel cell. 

Are they the future? Can a car be turned into hydrogen?

Regardless the challenges, hydrogen cars have potential to become an important part of sustainable mobility. With clean emissions, longer autonomy and fast recharging times, they can play a crucial role in the transition towards a more ecologic transport.

In the same way, despite of the progress of technology, turning combustible cars into hydrogen ones is mainly performed in an experimental environment or by enthusiasts with advanced technical knowledge. It is expected that in the future, with the development of more accessible technologies with specific standards, this process can become more practical and accessible for a wider audience. However, any conversion of this sort should undergo a rigorous approval process carried out by a specialized approval laboratory for cars to ensure that those modifications meet with the safety and performance regulations.