Background Information
Elon Musk has been an outspoken critic of hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and has called hydrogen cars “stupid” and “mind-bogglingly stupid”. Musk believes electric vehicles (EVs) are a better solution for reducing global oil demand and carbon emissions. In comparison, hydrogen vehicles use a process of electrolysis to separate water into its two components to form “hydrogen” and “oxygen”. Repurposed hydrogen is then used to power a fuel cell vehicle, providing an electric current that powers the car.
The Reasons Elon Musk Believes Hydrogen Cars are Unsustainable
Musk’s opinion on hydrogen fuel cell technology can be summed up in a series of tweets from 2015, where he stated: “Hydrogen is an incredibly dumb form of energy storage. The whole system is dumb. Really dumb.” Musk believes that the time and energy put into producing the fuel outweighs the potential of battery-powered cars.
Musk argues that electric cars are a much better option for transitioning to sustainable energy, as producing and storing electricity can be done efficiently. On the other hand, hydrogen vehicles require a series of costly and inefficient processes, from separating the hydrogen from water, to transforming it into electricity. This process results in a lack of efficiency and high end costs, making it difficult for hydrogen cars to be truly sustainable.
Furthermore, the number of hydrogen gas stations available is limited, unlike electric car charging stations. Ford estimates that creating a network of hydrogen stations across the US would cost between $500–750 million, which is an extraordinary amount of money to invest in such a limited capacity.
The Essential Difference Between Electric and Hydrogen Power
The difference between electric and hydrogen power is the energy source used to generate electricity. Electric vehicles rely on lithium batteries which can be charged using electrons, while hydrogen fuel cells rely on electrolysis, which uses electricity to separate water molecules, creating brine and hydrogen.
Hydrogen cars, due to their low energy density, often need larger tanks than electric vehicles. This means that a hydrogen car is likely to have a lower range and require more frequent filling-ups. Although, despite the limited range, hydrogen cars have the potential to refuel much faster than electric cars (as little as 3 minutes). Although hydrogen cars are a developing technology, compared to electric vehicles, which have been around for more than a century, electric cars offer more freedom and convenience for the consumer, due to their range, charge time, and choice of locations to charge at.
The Cost Advantage of Electric Over Hydrogen Power
The cost comparison between electric and hydrogen vehicles is another point of contention. The base cost of an electric car is on average $10,000 cheaper than a hydrogen car, and an electric car’s lifetime cost of ownership is $5000 cheaper than a hydrogen vehicle due to the low cost of electricity being used to fuel it.
Electric car batteries last, on average, 5 to 7 years before needing to be replaced, which is significantly less than the 10-year lifespan of a hydrogen tank, meaning electric cars may need to be replaced sooner, incurring additional costs.
The Environmental Impact of Electric Versus Hydrogen
Hydrogen vehicles, from production to the tailpipe, emit fewer greenhouse gases than electric vehicles. But to achieve this, hydrogen must be produced from a clean source like wind, solar or from low-carbon sources like nuclear or hydropower. On the other hand, electricity generated for electric vehicles can come from a mix of sources, including clean and renewable sources, as well as other sources such as natural gas and oil.
However, electric vehicles have generally had a lower carbon footprint than hydrogen vehicles, as most of the emissions generated by electric vehicles come not from the car itself, but from the electricity-producing source. As renewable energy sources are utilized more, these emissions will become even lower.
The Scope and Evolution of Hydrogen vs Electric Vehicles
It is clear that electric vehicles are quickly becoming the overwhelming choice for automotive vehicles. Some countries are even in the process of banning diesel and petrol vehicles, with Norway and the UK being the most prominent examples.
However, while hydrogen vehicles may have their own sets of advantages, it is clear that electric vehicles offer an easier and more cost effective solution for the consumer.
Solar and wind power are becoming increasingly prevalent alternatives for electricity production, which further adds to EV’s advantage. With more resources and investment being poured into the EV market, Tesla’s vehicles are gaining an ever increasing foothold in the market and set to remain so for the foreseeable future.
Merits of Electric Buses and Other Heavy Duty Transportation
When it comes to heavy duty vehicles and transportation, electric vehicles are becoming an ever more appealing option. When buses are powered by electric batteries, they no longer emit any exhaust fumes. This means cities can breathe easier while having the same amount of transportation running. Electric buses also tend to be quieter and smoother than those running on diesel, making them a more pleasant experience for drivers and commuters alike.
Furthermore, electric buses have much lower maintenance and operating costs than diesel buses, as the motors have fewer moving parts and require less frequent service. This makes them not only more efficient, but also much cheaper on the individual level.
These benefits are not exclusive to buses, as other large-scale vehicles are also benefiting from the switch to electric power. Electric forklifts and tractors are increasingly being adopted as they offer significant improvements in efficiency and safety as well as being significantly quieter than their diesel-powered counterparts.
Conclusion of the Feasibility of Electric Vehicles
There is no doubt that electric vehicles offer a much more sustainable and efficient solution when compared to the traditional combustion engines, and are the future of transportation. While Elon Musk might be particularly vocal in his views on hydrogen fuel cell technology, it is evident that electric vehicles will continue to grow in popularity and importance. From increased safety and efficiency of large-scale transportation, to the individual level of environmental friendliness and cost savings, electric vehicles are an attractive solution for a variety of needs.
