We are living in interesting times, as we are witnessing a great transformation in the automotive industry. As fossil fuels near their end and become increasingly expensive, the era of electric cars and electric vehicles is on the rise. Over the next decade, a significant portion of vehicles are expected to become electrified.
While electric cars are currently the best alternative to fossil fuel cars, there is another development taking shape in the form of hydrogen cars and hydrogen vehicles. Much is being invested in the development of hydrogen cars and related infrastructure, as many believe it to be the future of the auto industry.
It makes us wonder if we should buy an electric car or a hydrogen car. Or maybe wait a few years until more hydrogen car options become available. Let’s take a look at some key insights to better understand if hydrogen cars are better than electric cars.
Range – This is probably the most important thing that people consider when buying an electric car. Fossil fuel cars essentially have unlimited range, as long as fuel stations are available. Electric cars do not enjoy such privileges as there is a waiting time to recharge the batteries. Current generation electric cars have an average range of around 300 to 400 miles. The electric car with the longest range is currently the Lucid Air Dream Edition which offers a range of up to 520 miles. The autonomy of hydrogen cars is about 400 km with a full tank. As of now, there is not much difference in the range of electric cars and hydrogen cars.
Loading time – A big hassle associated with electric cars is the waiting time required to charge these cars. Even the most advanced electric cars take several minutes to recharge to a specific level. Recharging time is longer for commonly available electric cars. By comparison, hydrogen cars can be refueled just as quickly as fossil fuel cars.
vehicle cost – If we look at comparable products like the Tesla Model 3 electric car and the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell car, there is not much difference in prices. However, while there are also affordable electric cars, there is currently no such option for hydrogen cars. Currently, affordability is not in favor of hydrogen cars. It makes them unviable for the mainstream market.
Life expectancy – For electric cars, the battery pack may need to be replaced after 5 to 8 years. By comparison, the fuel cell stack in hydrogen cars like the Toyota Mirai can last the life of the car. In essence, the lifespan of hydrogen cars is similar to that of fossil fuel cars.
Ambient – Both electric and hydrogen cars have zero emissions. If renewable energy sources are used to fuel these cars, both will be equally environmentally friendly.
Safety – There are concerns about the safety of both electric cars and hydrogen cars. There are already several violent fire incidents involving electric cars. Researchers are currently working to improve the safety of electric car batteries. Hydrogen cars are also considered risky, as hydrogen is flammable. Appropriate safety precautions must be taken to reduce the risks associated with hydrogen cars.
As can be seen from the above, both electric and hydrogen cars have their advantages and disadvantages. It is possible that the future could accommodate both technologies. It remains to be seen which of these will emerge as the preferred option for consumers. Electric cars have taken the lead from the start, but things may change in the long run.