Hydrogen Gas engines – A killer of EV’s???
Peter Blanshard JP MIAME MIAA MAICD
CEO, Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers
Hydrogen gas engines and electric vehicles (EVs) are two different technologies that offer distinct advantages and challenges. It is not accurate to say that hydrogen gas engines are a "killer" of EVs as both technologies have their own merits and limitations. Let's consider some key points:
Advantages of Hydrogen Gas Engines:
1.?????Fast Refueling: Hydrogen gas engines can be refueled quickly, similar to traditional gasoline vehicles, whereas EVs generally require more time for recharging.
2.?????Longer Driving Range: Hydrogen-powered vehicles typically have a longer driving range compared to battery electric vehicles, allowing for extended travel without the need for refueling.
3.?????Potential for Energy Storage: Hydrogen can potentially be used for large-scale energy storage and grid balancing, which could have applications beyond transportation.
Advantages of Electric Vehicles (EVs):
1.?????Zero Emissions: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to improved air quality and addressing climate change.
2.?????Energy Efficiency: Electric motors are more energy-efficient compared to internal combustion engines, resulting in lower energy consumption per mile traveled.
3.?????Renewable Energy Integration: EVs can be charged using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, enabling a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.
4.?????Reduced Maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts compared to hydrogen gas engines, resulting in reduced maintenance and lower long-term operating costs.
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Both hydrogen gas engines and EVs face challenges that need to be addressed for wider adoption:
Hydrogen Gas Engines Challenges:
·???????Infrastructure: The availability of hydrogen refueling stations is limited, making it challenging for widespread adoption and convenient refueling access.
·???????Production and Distribution: Hydrogen production often relies on fossil fuels, and establishing a sustainable and cost-effective hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure is a significant hurdle.
Electric Vehicles Challenges:
·???????Range Anxiety: The limited driving range of EVs compared to traditional vehicles can create range anxiety, where drivers are concerned about running out of battery power before reaching their destination.
·???????Charging Infrastructure: The expansion of charging infrastructure, including fast-charging stations, is needed to support widespread EV adoption and alleviate concerns about charging availability and convenience.
·???????Battery Technology: Continued advancements in battery technology are required to improve energy density, charging speed, and overall performance, making EVs more competitive with conventional vehicles.
In summary, hydrogen gas engines and EVs are two different technologies with their own advantages and challenges. Both have the potential to contribute to a more sustainable transportation future, and their success will depend on technological advancements, infrastructure development, and market demands. It is not accurate to conclude that one technology is a "killer" of the other, as they can coexist and serve different purposes based on specific use cases and requirements.
Engineer, Honors in Mechanical / Sole trader at HVMobileMechanic
1 年If you had a ev with hydrogen top up system, maybe 25kwh battery with wall charger and enough hydrogen to give it 400km of range in a family size car, that would be usable. Enough electric for the daily commute and a fast refill on long trips.
Service Manager at Sydney City Toyota
1 年Hmmm, very interesting, would be nice to include how the environment is affected when it time to recycle battery’s etc on EV. With currently over 70% of NSW electricity coming from a coal and the current ifastructure surrounding the use of EV charging Units with 100 or more appartments, that means we require at least 100 charging stations) I can’t see EV being viable in the near future, not unless we have some huge advancement in technology.