WASHINGTON, D.C. – While the push to move beyond internal combustion engines in favor of more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives – namely, in the form of electric vehicles (EVs) – is considered a virtuous goal by many, the recent jump in adoption of EVs has pointed out to some experts that they may serve only as a stopgap measure as they also bring a host of disadvantages as well, such as limited range, slow recharge time, and tire wear pollution.
Indeed, some experts are saying that recent technological breakthroughs are pointing to hydrogen-powered vehicles having the potential to overtake and replace EVs as the current standard of “green” transportation on our roads for a number of valid reasons.
Hydrogen-fuel cell technology has existed since the early 19th century, it was only recently seen in automotive application when GMC introduced the Electrovan in 1966. Since then the technology has continued to evolve, but the basics surrounding it remain the same, combining aspects of both gas and battery-powered vehicles.
Hydrogen powered vehicles utilize compressed hydrogen gas, which it converts into electrical energy and then transfers to the conveyance’s on-board battery to power its functions. This process entails separating the hydrogen molecules into positive and negative charges at the battery’s anode; after the charge is created to power the vehicle, the molecules are rejoined and form water, which is the only by-product generated by this completely zero-emission process.
That being case, some may question why this process is not more widely used for transportation.
One reason is that while hydrogen is very commonly found, it requires an expensive process – one that utilizes numerous precious metals – that uses a great deal of energy to isolate the element if it is not found in its pure form. However, South Korean scientists recently have discovered a cheaper and easier process for green hydrogen production that many consider groundbreaking, and further research is sure to produce a method for mass production of pure hydrogen to be used for a number of important purposes, including powering emission-free vehicles.
Another advantage that hydrogen powered vehicles would have over EVs would be refueling times; a typical EV currently takes as much as 30 minutes or longer for a full charge, whereas a hydrogen-powered vehicle could have their tank refilled and as much time as it takes to fill an internal combustion engine car with gasoline.
Automobile manufacturers such as Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus are currently working on developing hydrogen-powered vehicles, and experts say that the positive impact upon the environment will be immense when the technology is perfected.
Christopher Boyle is an investigative journalist, videographer, reporter and writer for SEARCHEN NETWORKS® as well as other independent news and media organizations in the United States. Christopher works on a wide variety of topics and fields, has been featured in print and online in a variety of publications, from local to national, and helps keep a keen-eye on what’s happening in the automotive world for Auto Buyers Market.