 |
| |
Battery-Electric Powertrains Seen As A Promising Zero-Emission Alternative | |
| Superadmin |
Without a doubt, battery-electric powertrains are in the lead in the battle to decarbonise on-road cars. However, many have suggested that fuel cell vehicles, especially long-haul trucks, are the zero-emission solution for long-range applications because of their superior energy density compared to today's Li-ion battery systems, allowing them to deliver a greater range for the same system weight. Refueling times are also considerably faster than battery charging.
 |
The IDTechEx "Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles 2022-2042" research analyses the potential for the technology in the on-road markets of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, and city buses, and explores the current stage of fuel cell vehicle development.
Several fuel cell models are now in testing, with companies including Hyundai, Toyota, Nikola, Hyzon, and Daimler planning to implement the technology in the near future. Nonetheless, only Toyota and Hyundai offer FCEVs in series production, with the Mirai and Nexo models.
While there is much ongoing research and development to improve the design of fuel cell systems for automotive applications, the availability of hydrogen fuel and refuelling infrastructure is arguably the biggest barrier to future sales growth rather than the technical feasibility of designing fuel cell electric vehicles.
According to IDTechEx's analysis, this form of hydrogen provides only a marginal reduction in CO2 emissions compared to modern combustion engines.