Hydrogen Vehicles: Engines vs. Fuel Cells

While both hydrogen engines and hydrogen fuel cells use hydrogen fuel, they differ in how they convert it into usable energy. Hydrogen fuel cells create electricity through a clean electrochemical reaction, powering electric motors. In contrast, hydrogen engines burn the fuel like gasoline or diesel, generating power through combustion.

Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE) Vehicles

HICE vehicles share similarities with traditional gasoline-powered cars. They burn hydrogen gas with air to create combustion, which generates pressure to power the car’s wheels.

Hydrogen engines hold promise for a familiar driving experience with potential environmental benefits. Their simpler design translates to easier manufacturing and lower upfront costs compared to hydrogen fuel cells. Additionally, they can operate on a wider range of hydrogen purities, offering greater flexibility in fueling infrastructure. However, these advantages come with trade-offs. They produce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, contributing to air pollution.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs):

Instead of combustion, the car utilizes a process called reverse electrolysis. Here, hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen from the air in an…