How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car Works?

A fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is a new, clean vehicle type. It’s one of the Zero-Emission Transports in the 21st century. Powering electric cars with hydrogen is a visionary step worldwide. However, hydrogen has intelligent solutions that are within the limits of regular engines.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced in March 2024 that it’s giving $750 million. The money is used to develop clean hydrogen fuel. This effort aims to make the US a global leader in the growing clean hydrogen industry. And this same capital will be used for 52 projects in 24 states. This blog will examine how FCEVs work, the essential parts that make them run, and some of their benefits.

What are the Basics of Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) Technology?

The fuel cell is the heart of every FCEV and is known for its electrochemical converter. It changes oxygen and hydrogen into electricity, water, and heat. A Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is the most common car fuel cell. Fortune Business Insights said the market was worth USD 2.10 billion in 2021, and it is expected to grow at a 40.6% CAGR and reach USD 22.74 billion by the end of 2028. The report also discusses the influence of COVID-19 on selling prices and recovery. It also tells about the market in the Asia Pacific. So, now I am explaining all the technologies that consist of several main components:

• Anode: At this place, hydrogen gas evolves and separates into a proton and an electron. A catalyst at the anode facilitates this reaction.
• Cathode: Oxygen from the air combines with protons. Protons cross the electrolyte membrane, and electrons travel through an external circuit. They combine to make water.
• The Electrolyte Membrane is where protons go through the membrane. Electrons take a turn in an external circuit there to make electricity.
• Catalyst – Platinum is the standard substance in the anode and cathode. It makes reactions faster.
• Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) distribute gases evenly over catalyst surfaces. They also remove water from the reaction.

What is the principal cause of energy conversion in hydrogen fuel cells?

The hydrogen fuel cell uses the energy in H2. It combines the H2 with the O2 in the air. This makes electricity through a chemical pathway. Here is an explanation of the entire energy transfer process, broken down step by step.

1. Vehicles store hydrogen gas in high-pressure tanks for hydrogen fuel cell storage.
2. The electrochemical reaction starts when hydrogen gas enters the anode. It goes through a catalyst, breaking it down to protons (H+) and electrons in a fuel cell. Splitting protons travel to the cathode through an electrolyte membrane—electrons in an external circuit cause an electrical current.
3. Electricity generation: The moving electrons in the external circuit become electricity. This electricity powers the electric motor and other vehicle parts.
4. Formation of Water- Protons, electrons, and oxygen from the air react at the cathode. They only form water and discharge it as a byproduct. This is a high-efficiency process. It produces no greenhouse gases when making electricity. It makes the same non-toxic water vapour used in hydrogen fuel cells. These cells will also power vehicles.

How do FCEVs generate power?

It starts with hydrogen stored in vehicle high-pressure tanks. The car operates by supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell’s anode. This form uses a platinum (or other) catalyst. It helps the hydrogen molecules split into protons and electrons. But now, the protons pass through a membrane to reach the cathode. A separate circuit leads electrons. This circuit creates a current that powers a motor for your car.

The protons, electrons, and air combine at the cathode to produce water and heat, which are only byproducts. This process repeats continuously. As long as hydrogen and oxygen are provided, it continues. This keeps a constant stream of electricity, which keeps the car running.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars vs. Electric Cars

Feature	Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars	Electric Cars
Energy Source	Hydrogen gas	Electricity
Power Generation	Fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity	Batteries store and discharge electricity
Refueling/Recharging Time	3-5 minutes	30 minutes to several hours
Range	300-400 miles	150-300 miles
Efficiency	40-60%	85-90%
Infrastructure	Limited hydrogen refueling stations	Extensive and growing network of charging stations
Emissions	Water vapor	None (if using renewable energy)
Cost	Higher due to fuel cell technology and hydrogen production	Lower, but battery costs can be significant
Maintenance	Complex systems, higher maintenance costs	Simpler systems, lower maintenance costs
Availability	Limited models available	Different range of models available
Government Incentives	Varies by region, often includes EV tax credit	Federal EV tax credit, state incentives, and more