In recent years, there’s been a surge in the market research and growth for electric vehicles (EVs), as they are deemed more environmentally friendly.
Europe leads the way in new EV sales, with around 3.2 million vehicles in total, accounting for about 31% of vehicles worldwide.
However, automobile giant Hyundai Motor Group looks toward a different route when it comes to creating efficient and sustainable vehicles. The Korean company sees fuel-cell or hydrogen-based technology as the key to the world’s clean energy revolution.
Hydrogen-based Technology
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) essentially use a fuel cell that is powered by hydrogen, rather than drawing electricity solely from a battery. During the vehicle creation process, manufacturers define the power of the vehicle by the size of the electric motor that receives electric power, along with the battery combination. Hydrogen fuel is used for motive power, which is generated by converting the chemical energy of hydrogen into mechanical energy. Some benefits of FCEV technology include an ultra-fast refueling time and a long driving range on a single tank.
To achieve this, the machine requires a high-speed design for its internal structure, as the vehicle consumes about three times more energy than a battery-powered car for each mile driven. On the flip side, major drawbacks include the high capital cost burden, the transportation of hydrogen to filling stations, and the lack of ability to produce or dispense hydrogen at home. Hydrogen engines are also not completely carbon-free, and therefore cannot be classified as zero-emission. Alongside its byproduct of water, a small amount of engine metal burns as well, which results in around 2% of the emissions of a gasoline engine.
The Future of Hydrogen Vehicles
Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung announced his 2040 hydrogen vision at the firm’s first global hydrogen event this year, “Hydrogen Wave”. The 20-year vision focused on developing hydrogen energy availability and mobility. Additionally, the brand promises to make hydrogen cars as cheap as EVs within 10 years. According to the chairman, “Hyundai Motor envisions a future society where hydrogen energy is available for everyone, everything and everywhere. I have no doubt that hydrogen will bring revolutionary changes for humankind.”
Toyota Motor Group Japan has also been pushing for hydrogen tech as the market for battery EVs continues to grow. By 2025, Toyota plans to have 15 models available. The company is also investing $13.5 billion over a decade to expand its battery production and research. Toyota Vice Chairman Shigeru Hayakawa highlights how the company is dedicating itself to slowly transforming into a carbon-neutral company. As of 2021, there are two models of hydrogen cars publicly available in specific markets: the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo.
Meanwhile, other countries are adapting to this transformation. In July, five hydrogen-powered Hyundai Nexos arrived in Queensland, Australia, hiking the number of total EVs to 60 of a planned 144 total by the end of the year. Transport is Australia’s biggest carbon contributor after the electric sector, and so this new technology was implemented as part of their COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
These are only some of the many countries that have been vigorously pursuing alternative drive technologies. And we are expecting more in the future as research continues to develop.
