In today’s world, we are accustomed to seeing cars powered by traditional fuels like petrol and diesel, as well as electric vehicles. However, hydrogen cars, also known as hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), are emerging as a potential option for the future.
This guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information about hydrogen cars, including their advantages and disadvantages, along with insights into their future prospects.
What is a Hydrogen Car?
A hydrogen car is a type of vehicle that uses hydrogen fuel as its power source. The hydrogen is stored in a tank at high pressure (700 bar) and is used to generate high-voltage electricity, which is then stored in a small buffer battery for acceleration purposes.
These cars utilize a fuel cell stack, where hydrogen and oxygen react to produce electricity, which is then sent to an electric motor, providing power to the vehicle. One significant advantage of hydrogen cars is that they emit zero tailpipe emissions, making them a much cleaner option for drivers.
Currently Available Hydrogen Cars
At present, there are only two hydrogen cars available for sale in the UK. However, several car manufacturers have plans to introduce hydrogen-powered vehicles in the future. Back in 1998, Mercedes-Benz launched the first road-legal FCEV called the Necar, based on the A-Class model.
Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai was first introduced in 2015 and has sold 10,000 units since then. The second-generation model was launched in 2021. The latest Mirai features a fuel stack capable of storing 5.6kg of hydrogen, providing a WLTP range of up to 400 miles.
Despite its larger size and weight compared to the previous generation, the Mirai can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 8.7 seconds and reach 100mph in 25.5 seconds. It has a powertrain that delivers 180bhp and 221lb ft of torque.
However, the Mirai comes with a hefty price tag of £64,995, and ordering directly from Toyota is currently not possible.
Hyundai Nexo
Hyundai has been involved in the development of fuel cell technology since the 1990s, and the Nexo is their first production hydrogen car. Priced similarly to the Mirai at £65,995, the Hyundai Nexo has a powertrain that delivers 161bhp and 291lb ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds.
The Nexo can store up to 6.33kg of hydrogen, which powers a 1.56kWh battery. It offers a range of approximately 380 miles and has been praised for its driving dynamics and smoothness on the road. However, like the Toyota Mirai, the Hyundai Nexo is not currently available for order.