Is a fuel cell cheaper than gas?
While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer impressive efficiency and zero emissions, their per-mile fueling costs in 2025 remain three to four-and-a-half times higher than those of both gasoline and hybrid vehicles. In fact, a fuel cell coupled with an electric motor is two to three times more efficient than an internal combustion engine running on gasoline. Hydrogen can also serve as fuel for internal combustion engines. However, unlike FCEVs, these produce air pollution and are less efficient.When there’s fuel enough to run them, hydrogen-powered cars can go farther and refuel much faster than EVs of the same size. Hydrogen fuel cell cars aren’t as clean or efficient as battery EVs, however, and developing a reliable, affordable and widespread fueling infrastructure is a big problem right now.One kg of hydrogen contains about the same energy as a gallon of gasoline. Today a fuel-cell electric vehicle with 1 kg of hydrogen can drive approximately 60 miles, compared to conventional vehicles, which get about 25 miles on a gallon of gasoline.A hydrogen car consumes an average of 0. So, for every 100 km driven, it uses less than 1 kg of hydrogen.Mileage usually varies because of driving patterns, models, and road conditions. Still, you can expect 250 kms on one kilogram of hydrogen.
Do fuel cell cars need gas?
Like all-electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) use electricity to power an electric motor. In contrast to other electric vehicles, FCEVs produce electricity using a fuel cell powered by hydrogen, rather than drawing electricity from only a battery. The future of sustainable transportation may not be an exclusive competition between hydrogen and electric vehicles. Instead, there is growing recognition that both technologies could coexist, offering consumers choices that align with their needs and preferences.Hydrogen vehicles require less frequent service than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Like battery electric vehicles (BEVs), they eliminate oil changes, spark plugs, and exhaust system repairs. However, FCEVs still include mechanical components that need regular attention.They’re related to electric cars but have pros and cons that make them very different. There are only about 17,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles on U. S. California. Meanwhile, EVs are out there in the millions.Efficiency. While a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is more efficient than a car with an internal combustion engine, it’s not as efficient as a battery electric vehicle. An electric car is very efficient, converting more of the energy it consumes into movement than a hydrogen car.
How much does a fuel cell car cost?
The Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle is an interesting piece of engineering, but it’s less practical than a typical EV for most people. Pricing starts at $52,930. A major selling point of the Toyota Mirai is its hydrogen fuel system, which powers the car. However, several owners have reported issues with the fuel system, including leaks and poor fuel efficiency. Sometimes, the fuel cell fails to perform as expected, leading to a loss of power and driving range.Discover Mirai The Mirai pushes the boundaries of hydrogen power. With an impressive driving range, it offers exceptional performance.
Does a fuel cell have a future?
Fuel cells for commercial vehicles and machines have the potential to become essential for the future of transportation and infrastructure, where we strive to accelerate the development, production, and commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell solutions. Vehicles running on hydrogen technology benefit from a long range on a single refuelling, but are subject to several drawbacks including high carbon emissions when hydrogen is produced from natural gas, capital cost burden, high energy inputs in production and transportation, low energy content per unit volume at .Fueling Costs While the current price of hydrogen is higher than gasoline, fuel cells are approximately 2. An added bonus is that most fuel cell car manufacturers include three years’ worth of free fuel with a vehicle.Hydrogen is as safe as any other fuel used in a car. It’s been used as an energy carrier for decades, and there is a vast amount of cumulative know-how and experience in Toyota and elsewhere to handle it safely.One of hydrogen’s biggest drawbacks is its energy inefficiency. To power a hydrogen vehicle, you must first generate electricity, use that electricity to split water into hydrogen, compress and transport the hydrogen, then convert it back into power for the vehicle. Each step incurs energy losses.
How long do fuel cells last?
The lifespan of a fuel cell stack depends on the type of fuel cell, the application, and operational conditions, but generally Ballard’s fuel cell stacks can last more than 25,000 hours before requiring service. Fuel cell systems are designed for low maintenance compared to internal combustion engines. For example, many automakers of passenger cars aim for a fuel cell stack lifespan of at least 5,000 hours or approximately 150,000-200,000 miles. In the heavy-duty category, many bus fuel cell stacks (power plant) have reached lifetimes of 20,000 hours and more, with a goal of 30,000 hours by 2030.The fuel cell stacks are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, about 150,000–200,000 miles.