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Why the future of transportation needs better fuel cells not batteries

The problems with current EVs

As we all know, our fuel supply is slowly and steadily being exhausted, as our population soars and we continue to depend on the earth’s resources to keep us going. Unfortunately, fuel sources take thousands of years to regenerate which is why we’re struggling to find new ways to feed our demands. As of now, vehicles powered by electricity are trying to replace conventional cars in an attempt to conserve fuel. While this is laudable, there are some problems associated with EVs that prevent them from being truly feasible. Most EVs run on lithium-ion batteries that need to be charged ever so often. This poses a problem for areas where charging stations are scarce or non-existent. Of course, electric vehicles all come with a cable that can be plugged into any household electric outlet of 120 volts. But, the charging process can take a long time, usually up to 10 hours for a full charge and in worse cases, up to 20 hours, depending on the size of the EV’s battery. The maximum distance range of an EV is also significantly slower than conventional fuel-powered cars, increasing anxiety among EV users who have to commute for miles at a time.

Hydrogen fuel

Lithium shortage

Most electronic devices use lithium-ion batteries and this includes EVs. While it’s a pretty abundant material, it needs to be processed as it doesn’t occur naturally in elemental form. Whispers of lithium shortage are already making the rounds, prompting researchers to seek out other sources. In EVs, lithium is required in higher quantities and this requirement is proportional to the size of the battery. Now, if everyone were to switch from fossil fuel-based cars to EVs, supply of lithium could very well diminish, posing another problem for our fuel-starved planet. The process of deriving lithium commercially, too is time-consuming, with two years needed to yield just a ton of the resource.

High cost of replacement batteries

What makes lithium-ion batteries inefficient is their short lives. Whether you apply them to EVs or other electronic devices that rely on them, they need to be replaced often. However, unlike in gadgets like MP3 players and cellphones, batteries used for EVs are far more expensive. The replacement for a hybrid car battery can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $6,000 depending on the make and year of the car. Customers also need competent dealers to replace it for them, the labor work of which can cost about $900. This isn’t viable in the long run as EV users will rack up a substantial bill, negating the advantages of owning and driving these eco-friendly vehicles.

Fuel cells: A cleaner, greener alternative

An alternative to batteries that is currently gaining ground is hydrogen fuel cells. This element is found in abundance and can be combined with other elements to power vehicles. Since it doesn’t occur naturally as a gas on earth, hydrogen needs to come into contact with air, the result of which produces electricity, steam and heat. Like lithium-ion-based vehicles, hydrogen-fueled cars produce nil emissions, making them popular with the green brigade.

Advantages of hydrogen

1. Hydrogen has the highest energy content

This green gas has the highest energy content of any other fuel per unit of weight. As water molecules break down to form HHO or Brown’s Gas, the resultant fuel is much more efficient than conventional gas or diesel. Fuel cell engines propelled by hydrogen run at a much capable rate than internal combustion engines. For a better understanding, 2.2 pounds of hydrogen give almost the same output of energy as a gallon of gas does.

2. Hydrogen is non-polluting

Hydrogen as a fuel alternative doesn’t just generate more energy but it is non-polluting as well. The only byproduct you get is water and heat so there is no carbon dioxide produced.

3. Hydrogen is an abundant fuel source

Unlike gas and diesel, hydrogen is found in abundance, with an almost inexhaustible supply. This makes it a better alternative to lithium-ion batteries as lithium is limited.

Notable trends

1. Mercedes-Benz to debut hydrogen fueled F125!

Mercedes Benz F125

Popular automaker, Mercedes, has revealed its hydrogen-powered F125! concept whose design is inspired by the F800. Looks-wise, it’s an awesome vehicle with smooth, flowing lines typical of a Merc production. Gullwing doors lend it a futuristic look that matches its inner workings. Four electric motors crank out 231hp, capable of pushing the machine to top speeds of 137mph. Acceleration time is pretty impressive at 4.9 seconds going from 0-60mph. What is more impressive, however, is its hydrogen consumption: a mere 0.79kg per 100kms. The gas tank is made of carbon fiber with a capacity of holding 700 bars of H2. Additional power is produced from the on-board lithium-ion battery pack of 10kWh, enabling the car to travel 31km before the fuel cell is activated.

2. Toyota FCV-R

Toyota FCV-R

To be launched in 2015, Toyota has also designed a hydrogen-fueled vehicle called the FCV-R. Still a concept, the FCV-R is a pretty large saloon, equipped with two 10,000psi hydrogen tanks, one under the rear seats and the second under the boot door. The fuel cell has been placed between the front seats while a second battery has been mounted behind the fixed seats at the rear. The company is still trying to bring the cost of the vehicle down before it is launched from the current estimate of 85,000 pounds.

3. Mazda debuts Norwegian-spec RX-8 Hydrogen RE

Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE

While Mazda’s Norwegian version of the RX-8 Hydrogen RE debuted a few years back, it deserves a mention as it was the company’s first hydrogen-powered vehicle for Norway. Incidentally, the car helped mark the opening of the country’s HyNor project (hydrogen filling stations) to make H2-fueled cars more popular among the masses. The hybrid vehicle has a hydrogen tank with a capacity of storing 2.4kg of H2.

Needed improvements

1. High cost

Like most alternative fuel sources, processing hydrogen to generate electricity can be expensive. Complex machines and techniques are required which is why the popularity of this abundant resource hasn’t hit its peak.

2. Storage and safety issues

H2 may be clean and green but it’s also highly volatile and flammable. While current storage tanks are made keeping in mind chances of leaks and other dangers, they aren’t exactly fool-proof.

3. Still dependent on fossil fuels

Energy produced by hydrogen may be high but so is the energy needed to produce this gas. The process of conversion still depends on fossil fuels which makes this ‘clean’ source of energy significantly polluting.

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