Most of us have heard of electric cars, and many have seen them in use. They offer a viable solution to issues like energy security and health issues caused by exhaust. With so much hype about the electric car, you’d think manufacturers would be working toward a switch to electric. While many are, they are also focusing on cars that run on hydrogen. Which will win?
Enter the Electric/Hydrogen Hybrid
In reality, the electric and hydrogen cars aren’t in competition. Considering the many benefits of each, they’ll likely coexist as a hybrid car that implements the features of each. Plug-in hydrogen hybrids will be better suited for long distances and more capable of standing the test of time.
Current Trouble with Hydrogen
Hydrogen vehicles feature so many great benefits including:
- Renewable and reusable
- Won’t contribute to climate change
- Inexpensive
- Non-toxic
So, why aren’t you hearing more about them? There is still work to be done, starting with the fact that there aren’t refueling stations available for consumers to use. University of Waterloo chemical engineering professor said, “Car manufacturers won’t release cars into the market unless there’s a refueling station, and companies won’t build a refueling station unless there are cars to fuel.”
No Emissions and Quick Refuel
In the case of both the hydrogen and electric vehicle, there are zero emissions except for the small amount of water left behind by the former. Hydrogen currently has a major advantage over electric, however. It can take an electric car as long as 12 hours to charge. While you can travel around 350 miles on a single charge, it’s easy to see how a wait that long for recharge could impact travel plans.
With hydrogen cars, you can still pull over and refuel in around five minutes. Again, there’s the trouble of a lack of fueling stations. However, as further innovations are made, there are plans to begin implementing the stations necessary to facilitate the viable use of hydrogen cars. By combining the concepts of the electric and hydrogen cars, you’d be able to take advantage of both in a single vehicle.
An Inevitable Change is Ahead
Whether you’re excited by the idea of electric and hydrogen vehicles or would prefer to keep things the way they are, the truth is that there is change ahead. A recent survey by KPMG predicts that, by 2040, there will be an equal split of electric and hydrogen cars on the road. While some cities may still use certain types of commuter vehicles, family vehicles, buses, and the likes will most likely switch to fuel cell.