Driver Magazine - Issue 1 Dec 24 (3) - Flipbook - Page 11
Is Hydrogen A Viable Fuel For The Future?
If you look at the potential of hydrogen as a future fuel, it’s worth noting its range of uses in transportation.
The UK Government’s Hydrogen Roadmap anticipates a significant rise in hydrogen demand for transport by the late
2020s and mid-2030s, particularly for maritime and aviation sectors, while heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), rail, and light
vehicles may not see as much demand unless electrification isn’t the sole option.
This comes as the government extends the deadline for selling new internal combustion vehicles to 2035 to align with
European standards, reflecting the need for alternative strategies beyond electrification due to environmental, economic,
and social concerns.
While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) dominate the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market, their registration numbers
dropped in 2023, influenced by both the new internal combustion engine (ICE) sales deadline and challenges related to EV
economics and charging infrastructure. Concerns over BEVs’ environmental impact, particularly regarding rare earth
materials and lithium mining, persist. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) reveal that plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and BEVs
have similar CO2 impacts, with BEVs requiring significant mileage to offset their manufacturing emissions compared to
fossil fuel vehicles.
Some automotive manufacturers are investing in synthetic fuels (E-Fuels) and hydrogen technologies, indicating that the
future of ZEVs isn’t limited to one solution.
E-fuels are produced by combining hydrogen with captured CO2, resulting in a liquid hydrocarbon fuel similar to petrol or
diesel. This approach, if powered by renewable energy, can be nearly carbon-neutral despite producing particulate
emissions.
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) convert hydrogen to electricity via a fuel cell, emitting only water vapour. They offer quick
refuelling times and long ranges, comparable to conventional cars.
Hydrogen combustion engines, while efficient and clean, face challenges like high ignition temperatures and corrosive
properties, making them complex to design and maintain.
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