Best of Hydrogen vs Electric vehicles,

One of the crucial resources for clean energy and in many industrial process applications. Let’s look at the key methods for hydrogen production.

Steam Reforming (SMR)

The method is dominated by the production of hydrogen from fossil fuels where the natural gas reacts with steam at high temperatures (700-1000⁰ C) in the presence of a catalyst. It produced Gray or Blue hydrogen.

Electrolysis

The process involved splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen with electricity. The water is electrolyzed in an electrolyzer cell, with a positive electrode and a negative electrode. It produced green, pink, or yellow hydrogen.

Methane Pyrolysis

The process is quite new with hydrogen being directly produced from methane (natural gas) without carbon dioxide emissions. It produces turquoise hydrogen from the natural fossil fuel gas.

Biomass Gasification

The biomass is converted into hydrogen-rich syngas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other gases). The color of the hydrogen produced depends on the feedstock.

Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen (STCH)

Concentrated solar energy is used to drive chemical reactions to produce hydrogen, resulting in no emission as well as no color hydrogen.

Biological Processes

Hydrogen is produced by microorganisms through biological reactions with minimal emissions and no information on the color of the hydrogen.

Top 10 things to know about Hydrogen Vehicles (HFCVs):

1. Fuel Source: Hydrogen is used as a fuel in HFCVs, reacting with oxygen in fuel cells to produce electricity.
2. Zero Emissions: Water vapor is emitted as a byproduct. Hence, the outcome is environmentally friendly.
3. Range: As compared to EVs, the range is quite long due to the high energy density of hydrogen.
4. Refueling Time: As compared to EVs’ charging time, refueling of Hydrogen is quick.
5. Infrastructure Challenges: Hydrogen is limited to global refueling stations.
6. Production and storage: Energy-intensive and expensive hydrogen production.
7. Cost: The upfront cost is high due to complex fuel cell technology.
8. Safety Concerns: The storing of hydrogen and even handling is quite critical.
9. Weight: The weight is added up with fuel cells and hydrogen tanks. It needs to be seen whether it’s become too bulky or heavy.
10. Market penetration: The adoption is quite limited in the current market.

The charging of electric vehicles through several methods,

Standard Home Charging (Level 1):

A 120V AC outlet can be used for household appliances. That can be plugged directly into the EV with a cord. It needs overnight charging.

Upgraded Home Charging (Level 2):

A 240V AC outlet is required for a large appliances like dryers use. It can installed at home with a dedicated charging station. It offers faster charging compared to level 1.

Public Charging Stations (Level 2):

Home level 2 chargers available in public spaces such as parking lots. Apps are assigned for locating such public charging stations.

DC Fast Charging (Level 3):

480V DC are used for fast charging. It requires high power and hence, not suitable for home installation. An EV battery can be charged to 80% in 20 to 30 minutes.

Wireless Charging:

Inductive charging pads are used and allows charging without physical connector. It is not so common method and takes times.

Battery Swappable

It is not used in charging batteries but in replacing the empty battery with a new replenished ones. The time taken to swap the batteries are less as compared to fast charging of the batteries also.

Top 10 things to know about Electric Vehicles (EVs):

1. Fuel Source: Batteries such as Li-ion.
2. Zero emissions: It is emission-free during operation.
3. Range: It varies but improves with a competitive range of models.
4. Charging time: Slow charging as compared to quick hydrogen refueling.
5. Infrastructure: The charging networks are growing mainly for level 2 and fast chargers.
6. Production and Recycling: The evolution of battery production and recycling.
7. Cost: It is more affordable with upfront cost than HFCVs.
8. Weight: Batteries weigh it, which impacts overall vehicle weight.
9. Safety: Safety protocols are assigned for lithium-ion batteries.
10. Market penetration: The global market popularity is high for EVs as compared to Hydrogen fuel cars.

Source:- Energy.gov, eia.gov, edmunds, renaultgroup, innovation news network