Automotive fuel cells and their contribution towards achieving a more sustainable economy

Sustainability has been a focal point for authorities across the globe for a few years. In fact, in 2019, the EU revealed details regarding its European Green Deal, which highlights several steps to work towards a more sustainable economy, and in turn will help EU achieve its target of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

One of the most innovative solutions for sustainability came from the automotive sector, with the advent of electric cars. Although electromobility is largely associated with large batteries that require a wall outlet to be charged, in recent years, there has been another propulsion technology making the rounds, considered to be a suitable alternative for ling charging times.

This technology is the fuel cell electric vehicle or FCEV which runs on hydrogen engines. While hydrogen-based FCEVs are classified as electric cars, a crucial difference between them and regular BEVs (battery-powered vehicles) is that hydrogen engines produce their own electricity. This is achieved using a small, but efficient in-built power plant – automotive fuel cells.

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Automotive fuel cells – An overview

Fuel cells refer to electrochemical components, which use chemical energy from fuel sources, such as hydrogen, into electrical energy more efficiently and in a clean manner. In terms of application scope, the automotive fuel cell market is broadly categorized into Materials Handling Vehicles, Buses, and Light-Duty Vehicles, to name a few.

Automotive fuel cell technology works on a process called reverse electrolysis. In this process, hydrogen and oxygen react within the fuel cell, resulting in the production of electricity, heat as well as water, which is expelled as water vapor. The hydrogen for the reaction is supplied through built-in tanks in the vehicle, while the oxygen is taken from the ambient air. Since the exhaust gas from FCEVs consists of just water vapor, automotive fuel cells are also considered to be a locally emission-free fuel alternative.

The electricity generated in hydrogen fuel cell engines can take two paths, depending on the specific driving situation. The electric charge can either power the engine by flowing directly to the motor or charge the vehicle’s battery, which acts as a storage solution for the energy till it is required. The battery for fuel cell-powered vehicles is known as a traction battery and is considerably smaller and much lighter than a conventional EV battery.

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Emergence of hydrogen-based automotive fuel cells as suitable alternatives for conventional batteries

Although there are some concerns regarding the use of hydrogen as a fuel source due to its potential volatility, in recent years, many industry experts have hailed hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology as a strong foundation for energy transformation. This is due to not just the ability of hydrogen-powered EVs to produce their own energy, but also due to the overall cost-effectiveness of hydrogen, which gives FCEVs a distinct advantage in the competitive landscape as a long-term solution for sustainable transport.

Electric vehicles powered by automotive fuel cells are rising rapidly to become a prominent trend in the auto industry, as is evidenced by the myriad developments being undertaken by industry players to develop and deploy hydrogen fuel cells.

For instance, Honda and GM have collectively introduced the Clarity FCV as a result of a joint venture to develop advanced automotive fuel cell systems in the US. Likewise, Hyundai has partnered with Audi to increase the production of hydrogen fuel cells from 3,000 to over 70,000 units over the upcoming 12 years.

While many companies are working towards developing and advancing fuel cell technologies, some automotive industry players like BMW are also concentrating on building a robust infrastructure for hydrogen fuel cell-based vehicles. Based in Germany, which is a pioneer for hydrogen fuel cell infrastructure development, BMW has struck up partnerships with several filling station operators and hydrogen producers, as a part of the Clean Energy Partnership initiative. This initiative is a roadmap towards expanding the network of hydrogen fueling stations to over 130 stations by 2022, which could facilitate the operation of nearly 60,000 automotive fuel cell-based cars in the nation.