Hydrogen cars today are few in number and expensive, given the current somewhat limited production. Even with state aid, purchasing a fuel cell car remains extremely rare and not heroic. Because despite the advantages of this technological solution – clean energy, long-range, fast charging – the necessary infrastructure does not yet exist for hydrogen vehicles. To make a long journey with a hydrogen car, you must rely on a good GPS for its hydrogen refuelling.
The supply of hydrogen passenger cars is, therefore, limited. And at the 100% Asian initiative. Indeed, only the Korean Hyundai and the Japanese Toyota offer a model using this ecological technology with renewable energy. Other models will be released in the coming years, and Empire Auto Group will take stock.
What
Is A Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle?
Hydrogen vehicles are electric cars. But without battery. Indeed, hydrogen engines are powered by a fuel cell that produces electricity.
Hydrogen
Car How Does It Work?
How does it work? By a chemical reaction obtained by the hydrogen stored in the tank with the oxygen present in the air. The energy thus created by the hydrogen engine has the advantage of only releasing water vapour into the atmosphere.
On paper, it isn't easy to be more virtuous regarding ecology. In addition, this technology has a real advantage over electricity produced by batteries: it only takes a few minutes to recharge its tank and obtain a range of 700 or 800 km, like a thermal car. But the purchase price of a hydrogen car is not the same…
HYDROGEN CAR MODELS ON SALE IN 2022
Hyundai
Nexo: The SUV With Low CO2 Emissions
With its concept car look, the Hyundai Nexo does not go unnoticed. Launched in 2018, the Korean manufacturer's hydrogen SUV succeeded the IX35. Hyundai offers its Nexo a record range of 666 km at the forefront of fuel cell electric vehicle technology. Quiet, comfortable, spacious and well-equipped, the SUV lacks dynamism due to its weight of almost 2 tons. Compared to an electric car, it does indeed suffer from clumsy behaviour. Still, in terms of ecology, it is difficult to do better: the Nexo produces no emissions, and even better, it improves air quality while driving!
Toyota
Mirai: The First Hydrogen Car In History
Toyota drew the first, in 2014, on the hydrogen production car market, with the Toyota Mirai. The new version of the attractive 4-door coupé sedan, launched last year, offers a unique driving experience thanks to its 182 hp fuel cell electric motor, which generates electricity, unlike battery electric cars.
Result: the first hydrogen sedan offers a range of 650 km and a recharging time that is at most 5 minutes. In addition, driving pleasure is tremendous: exceptional comfort, state-of-the-art technologies on board, lively acceleration and absolute silence. A high purchase price remains compared to an atmospheric and electric car.
Conclusion
Last year, Honda discreetly announced the discontinuation of its Clarity Fuel Cell, its fuel cell sedan launched with great hope in 2018. The Japanese manufacturer, which had bet heavily on hydrogen, was forced to note that despite the ecological advantages of this technology, less than 1,900 copies have been sold worldwide.
Like Honda, several car manufacturers – Stellantis, Volkswagen, Mercedes – have decided to no longer invest in hydrogen, which appeared a few months ago as a fundamental pillar for achieving the carbon neutrality required by most governments globally.
Commercial vehicles, trucks, buses,
trains, yes; passenger cars, no. For now. Despite state aid which wishes to
promote this clean energy.
