What side of the debate do you park on?

As the world pushes forward in the pursuit of clean and sustainable energy, electric vehicles (EVs) have taken center stage.?However, there is a growing debate between two types of EVs: battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).?

Knowing the Difference:

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) derive their power directly from onboard battery packs, while hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell to power the electric motor(s) directly or via charging of batteries which, in turn, powers the electric motor(s).

Knowing the Logistics:

The charge time for BEVs varies depending on the battery capacity, state of charge, and the charging infrastructure used. Generally, charging times can range from less than an hour to more than 12 hours, depending on the conditions.?Overtime, the capability of the batteries depletes and requires more frequent charging resulting in less range.?Refueling times for FCEVs are significantly faster than charging times for BEVs. Refueling a hydrogen vehicle can take as little as 3-5 minutes, similar to refueling a conventional gasoline or diesel vehicle. This shorter refuel time provides a significant advantage for FCEVs, especially for users who need to cover long distances or cannot afford to wait for extended periods while their vehicle charges.?North America is slow to adopt hydrogen refuelling stations, so range is critical until infrastructure catches up with the anticipated demand.

Knowing the Range:

The range of BEVs varies significantly depending on the model and battery capacity. Entry-level and affordable BEVs typically offer a range of around 150 to 200 miles on a single charge. However, some mid-range and premium models can achieve ranges of 300 miles or more. For instance, the Tesla Model S Long Range boasts a range of around 400 miles.

FCEVs generally offer a longer range compared to most BEVs due to their higher energy storage density. A typical FCEV can achieve a range of 300 to 400 miles on a full tank of hydrogen. Some models, such as the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo, can reach a range of around 350 to 380 miles.

Knowing the Energy Densities:

Energy density is a measure of the amount of energy that can be stored per unit mass or volume. In the context of electric vehicles, it is an important factor in determining the range and efficiency of the vehicle. Comparing battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in terms of energy density involves looking at both gravimetric (mass-based) and volumetric (volume-based) energy densities.

Gravimetric energy density: BEVs typically use lithium-ion batteries, which have an energy density of around 250 Wh/kg (watt-hours per kilogram). However, advancements in battery technology have led to some new batteries reaching gravimetric energy densities of around 300 Wh/kg or more.

FCEVs, on the other hand, store energy in the form of compressed hydrogen gas, which has a much higher gravimetric energy density. Hydrogen has an energy density of roughly 33 kWh/kg (kilowatt-hours per kilogram), which is more than 100 times that of lithium-ion batteries. However, this number does not take into account the efficiency of the fuel cell system, which is generally lower than that of battery systems.

Volumetric energy density: Lithium-ion batteries have a volumetric energy density of around 250-730 Wh/L (watt-hours per liter). This means that a BEV requires a considerable amount of space to store the battery packs needed to achieve a satisfactory driving range.

Compressed hydrogen gas, used in FCEVs, has a lower volumetric energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries, at around 5.6 kWh/L (kilowatt-hours per liter) when stored at 700 bar (10,153 psi). Although hydrogen has a higher gravimetric energy density, its volumetric energy density is lower because hydrogen gas takes up more space than the equivalent mass of lithium-ion batteries.

Overall, FCEVs have a significant advantage in terms of gravimetric energy density, which can translate to longer driving ranges and lighter vehicles. However, their volumetric energy density is lower, which can result in larger storage systems for the compressed hydrogen. BEVs, conversely, have higher volumetric energy density but lower gravimetric energy density, which can lead to heavier vehicles with limited driving ranges depending on the size and capacity of the battery packs.

Knowing Where the Electrons Come From:

In the United States, approximately 80% of electricity generation came from non-renewable sources, including coal, natural gas, and nuclear power, while 20% was generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. In Canada, about 67% of electricity generation came from renewable sources, primarily hydropower, with the remaining 33% coming from non-renewable sources.

Knowing Where the Atoms Come From:

The majority of hydrogen production in North America (and globally) is grey hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas using steam methane reforming. Grey hydrogen accounts for approximately 95% of the total hydrogen produced.?However, there is a rapid shift to low carbon and carbon net zero production of hydrogen that can give consistent supply, as follows:

• Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis process by employing renewable electricity. The reason it is called green is that there is no CO2 emission during the production process. Water electrolysis is a process which uses electricity to decompose water into hydrogen gas and oxygen
• Blue hydrogen is sourced from fossil fuel. However, the CO2 is captured and stored underground (carbon sequestration). Companies are also trying to utilise the captured carbon called carbon capture, storage and utilisation (CCSU). Utilisation is not essential to qualify for blue hydrogen. As no CO2 is emitted, the blue hydrogen production process is categorised as carbon neutral.
• Turquoise hydrogen can be extracted by using the thermal splitting of methane via methane pyrolysis. The process, though at the experimental stage, remove the carbon in a solid form instead of CO2 gas.
• Purple hydrogen is made though using nuclear power and heat through combined chemo thermal electrolysis splitting of water.
• Pink hydrogen is generated through electrolysis of water by using electricity from a nuclear power plant.
• Red hydrogen is produced through the high-temperature catalytic splitting of water using nuclear power thermal as an energy source.
• White hydrogen refers to naturally occurring hydrogen.
• Knowing the carbon footprint of manufacturing

Knowing the Carbon Footprint of Manufacturing:

Comparing the carbon footprint of manufacturing battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) involves analyzing the emissions generated during the production of their key components, such as the battery for BEVs and the fuel cell stack for FCEVs, as well as other vehicle components.

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs): The most significant contributor to the carbon footprint of a BEV is the production of its battery, particularly the mining and processing of raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The emissions generated during battery production vary depending on factors like the source of energy used in the manufacturing process (e.g., coal, natural gas, or renewables) and the size of the battery. In general, larger batteries with higher capacities, as used in long-range BEVs, result in a higher carbon footprint during manufacturing. It is essential to note that the carbon footprint of battery production is decreasing as manufacturing processes improve and the use of renewable energy sources becomes more widespread.

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs): The production of the fuel cell stack is the primary contributor to the carbon footprint of FCEVs. This includes the extraction and processing of platinum, which is a crucial catalyst in the fuel cell. However, the amount of platinum needed for fuel cells has been decreasing over the years due to technological advancements, reducing the overall carbon footprint. Additionally, the production of high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks made of carbon fiber composites contributes to the emissions generated during the manufacturing process.

Overall, it is challenging to make a direct comparison between the carbon footprints of BEV and FCEV manufacturing due to variations in component sourcing, production methods, and the energy sources used. However, it is generally accepted that the manufacturing process for BEVs tends to have a higher carbon footprint compared to FCEVs, mainly due to the battery production. It is important to note that the overall environmental impact of both types of vehicles should also consider the emissions generated during their operational lifetimes, including electricity or hydrogen production, which may offset the differences observed during manufacturing.

Knowing the Safety:

When it comes to safety, both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are generally designed to meet the same rigorous safety standards as conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Here, we will explore some safety aspects associated with each type of vehicle.

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs):?BEVs use lithium-ion batteries, which have been occasionally reported to overheat and catch fire, especially after a severe crash. However, such incidents are rare, and automakers have implemented multiple safety features to minimize the risks, such as advanced battery management systems, cooling systems, and fire-resistant enclosures.?BEVs typically have a low center of gravity due to the placement of the battery pack, which improves handling and reduces the risk of rollovers. Many BEVs have advanced driver-assist systems and safety features that contribute to their overall safety.

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs):?FCEVs store hydrogen in high-pressure tanks, which might raise concerns about the potential for leaks or explosions. However, these tanks are designed and tested to withstand extreme conditions, including high impacts and punctures, ensuring the hydrogen is safely contained.?Hydrogen has a low density and tends to disperse rapidly in the atmosphere, reducing the risk of combustion in case of a leak. Like BEVs, FCEVs also incorporate advanced driver-assist systems and safety features to ensure the overall safety of the vehicle.

Knowing the Cost:

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) currently have a lower overall cost of ownership compared to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), primarily due to their lower upfront cost, more affordable fueling/charging costs, and more extensive charging infrastructure. However, as FCEV technology advances, hydrogen production becomes more cost-effective, and refueling infrastructure expands, FCEVs may become more competitive in terms of cost and practicality.

So, in your driveway of the future, will you have a BEV or a FCEV?

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