Hydrogen cars. What are their special features and characteristics

Alternative energy sources are one of the best ways to preserve the environment. Modern car companies have already developed ways to switch to a profitable option, thereby increasing the efficiency of the car. The transition to hydrogen cars is an urgent solution for nature conservation. But automobile concerns are in no hurry to switch to the production of vehicles with hydrogen fuel cells (FCEV). Although hydrogen cars already exist. But today, almost all models are produced only in the form of a concept, and only some are mass-produced.

Operation of hydrogen generation plants

Hydrogen filling stations (VSS) can be mobile, stationary, and home. The first type is intended for refueling cars in places without a suitable infrastructure. The second type is stationary gas stations. They are usually owned by large companies and sell hydrogen fuel to motorists. Most of these stations are located in Canada and the United States, China, Japan, and Germany. Home refueling is a set of equipment for private use. The gas is produced by hydrolysis of water at night. In order not to create sudden power surges. 

According to the volume of products, stationary stations are divided into three types:

• small, producing up to 20 kg of hydrogen;

• average, providing daily refueling of 250 passenger cars;

• industries can fill up more than 500 cars per day.

The future of hydrogen cars

As a rule, cars running on hydrogen fuel do not emit carbon dioxide into the air. It means minimal damage to the environment. Also, hydrogen fuels do not contribute to global warming. 

Advantages on the hydrogen transition:

• Silent operation. Unlike gasoline cars, hydrogen engines practically do not create noise when driving.

• Large operating range. 1 gram of hydrogen allows you to get three times more energy compared to 1 g of gasoline.

• High torque from the start. The use of only electric motors in the design of such cars is one of the important reasons for the use of hydrogen cars.

• Quick refueling. With the help of new technologies, hydrogen cars can fill the tank much faster than an electric car will be charged.

• Large power reserve. Hydrogen cars show a fairly large power reserve. It is up to 500/600 km. It should be said that this exceeds the indicators of most electric vehicles. 

Several car brands that have already released the concept of hydrogen cars

Honda Clarity

It is known that the first sales of the FCX Clarity car of the Honda automaker were noted in 2016. The car can travel up to 600 km. It is the maximum for such transport and more than any electric car. At one filling station with hydrogen fuel at a pressure of 700 atm. The car can travel up to 650-700 km.

Toyota Mirai

The model of the famous Japanese brand was created by the long painstaking work of the company. The car is equipped with a front-facing radar. The onboard system recognizes obstacles. Another driver assistance system controls the lane, giving the driver a signal when shifting to the side. The power reserve of the car is up to 500 km, the maximum speed is 178 km / h.

Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL

Mercedes-Benz developed the GLC F-Cell car not so long ago. The developers of the car claim that it is possible to drive up to 50 km on electricity and up to 500 km on hydrogen fuel. It is also known that the hydrogen tank is filled within 3 minutes. The car went on sale in 2017 and became the first mass-produced vehicle that also has hydrogen fuel cells. It is assumed that the car can be used as a conventional electric car for short distances. Just like a car powered by hydrogen fuel for short trips.