Electricity or H2?

Although an increasing number of electric vehicles hit the roads, not all automakers share an optimistic view of the electric car's future. Toyota's president, Akio Toyoda, has repeatedly stated that electric cars are not environmentally friendly and may even harm Japan's economy.

Despite criticism, Toyoda's stance may be rooted in considerations for Japan's economy, but more significantly, it reflects Toyota's lack of a clear advantage in the electrification path. Prior to the rise of new energy vehicles, Toyota invested more in hybrid technology and hydrogen fuel cells, putting it in a somewhat passive position in the electrification process.

However, the theoretical environmental friendliness of hydrogen fuel, touted as the ultimate energy source, faces challenges. Hydrogen's primary advantage lies in providing a refueling experience comparable to traditional fuel cars.

Apart from range limitations, charging remains a significant factor limiting consumer adoption of electric cars. Despite rapid advancements in battery technology, charging rates are still relatively slow. Even with fast charging, it takes at least half an hour to charge 80%. In contrast, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can refuel in a manner similar to traditional fueling. Toyota claims its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can be refueled in 3 minutes, providing a range of 500 kilometers. This refueling experience can indeed compete with traditional fuel cars, explaining why many automakers remain committed to hydrogen energy.

However, the construction of hydrogen refueling stations presents challenges, primarily related to cost and location selection. Building a fixed hydrogen station with a capacity of 500kg in Japan costs around 15 million yuan, compared to about 2 million yuan for a charging station. Additionally, hydrogen stations require suitable safety distances due to the inherent risks associated with hydrogen leakage.

The difficulty in developing hydrogen infrastructure limits the current application of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to specific scenarios, such as hydrogen-powered buses on fixed routes or vehicles for specific events. Personal use of hydrogen fuel cell cars remains less practical, given their high cost and safety concerns, especially when compared to the more rapid and intense combustion of hydrogen.

While hydrogen is considered a clean energy source, the environmental impact of hydrogen production through methods like steam methane reforming raises questions about its true eco-friendliness. Hydrogen is not a standalone source; rather, it serves as an energy carrier. Current hydrogen production methods consume significant non-renewable resources, contradicting the original purpose of developing hydrogen energy.

In conclusion, the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles faces hurdles such as infrastructure costs, safety concerns, and environmental considerations. The potential success of hydrogen energy may depend on advancements in cleaner hydrogen production, reduced costs, and expanded infrastructure. However, the more likely scenario is that pure electric vehicles will continue to make greater strides, with faster charging speeds and a more comprehensive charging infrastructure, potentially relegating hydrogen energy to a secondary position in the future of automotive propulsion.