Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles in India

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles represent a transformative approach to sustainable transportation in India. It is one of the types of electric vehicles, also known as hydrogen cars, and these vehicles use hydrogen gas as their primary fuel source by converting it into electricity through a chemical process within a fuel cell. This electricity powers an electric motor, propelling the vehicle with efficiency and performance. Hydrogen cars are known for their environmental friendliness, emitting only water vapour and warm air. As India strives to advance its technology for producing green hydrogen from renewable sources, these vehicles emerge as a promising solution for affordable and sustainable energy in the future.

Table of content

What is a Hydrogen Car?
How does a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Work?
Components of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Car
Advantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
Challenges of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle vs Electric Vehicles
Current Status of Hydrogen Power Cars in India

What is a Hydrogen Car?

A hydrogen fuel car, also known as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, works by using hydrogen gas as its main fuel. The car changes stored hydrogen into electricity through a chemical process in a fuel cell, which powers an electric motor for movement. These eco-friendly hydrogen cars release only water vapour and warm air. They are known for being efficient and powerful, outperforming traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

India needs to advance its technology to produce green hydrogen from plant materials and renewable energy sources in order to have inexpensive, sustainable energy in the future.

The benefits of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles include longer driving ranges than many existing electric vehicles, quicker refuelling periods than conventional gasoline vehicles, and the possibility of using renewable hydrogen sources for driving that produce no pollution.

However, there are challenges, including producing, transporting, and storing hydrogen, as well as the limited availability of hydrogen refuelling stations for these vehicles in India.

How does a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Work?

The working of a Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle can be understood by the steps given below:

Hydrogen Fuel Storage: The vehicle stores hydrogen gas (H2) in high-pressure tanks designed for safe storage.
Fuel Cell Stack: Hydrogen goes into a fuel cell stack, which has separate fuel cells. Each cell includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane.
Hydrogen Oxidation: Hydrogen gas splits at the anode into protons (H+) and electrons (e-). As electrons flow through an external circuit to produce an electric current, protons flow through the electrolyte membrane.
Oxygen Reduction: Oxygen from the air combines with protons and electrons at the cathode that forms water (H2O).
Electricity Generation: An electric motor is powered by electricity produced by electrons moving through an external circuit. The vehicle is propelled by this powerplant through wheel drive.
Water Vapor Emission: The sole byproduct is water vapour (H2O) which is released from the vehicle’s tailpipe as “exhaust.” Hydrogen fuel cell cars are emissions-free at the tailpipe, with water being the only emission.

Components of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Car

The key components of Hydrogen powered cars are:

Battery
Battery Pack
Electric traction motor
Fuel Tank
Fuel filler
Fuel cell stack
Power electronics controller
Thermal system (cooling)
Transmission (electricity)
DC converter

Advantages of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle

Clean Energy: Hydrogen cars produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in water vapour as the only emission. This process is environmentally friendly, contributing to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable Source: Hydrogen can be produced using renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower. This makes hydrogen a sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel option when generated through clean energy methods.
Quick Refueling: Filling up a hydrogen tank takes only a few minutes, similar to traditional gasoline refuelling. This quick refuelling time is advantageous compared to the longer charging times associated with some electric vehicles.

Challenges of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle

Infrastructure Challenges: Establishing an extensive network for hydrogen production, distribution, and refuelling proves to be a significant challenge, hindering the broad adoption of hydrogen cars. While efforts are underway in India, the current infrastructure is limited.
Energy-Intensive Production: The prevalent method of generating hydrogen, involving the energy-intensive reforming of natural gas, may offset some environmental benefits. Although India is making strides in sustainable methods like electrolysis powered by renewable energy, these approaches are still in the early stages and may face efficiency challenges.
Limited Vehicle Availability: Hydrogen cars are not as readily accessible as traditional gasoline or electric vehicles in India. The current model options are restricted, influencing consumers’ choices and willingness to embrace this technology despite the country’s shift towards hydrogen.
Expensive Technology: Hydrogen fuel cell technology remains costly, contributing to the higher initial cost of hydrogen cars compared to conventional vehicles or even some electric cars. While India is actively exploring hydrogen-powered vehicles, affordability remains a concern.
Storage and Transportation Issues: The safe storage and transportation of hydrogen present challenges, including its low energy density requiring large storage tanks and a tendency to leak. Addressing these issues is crucial for wider acceptance, and initiatives in India are working towards solutions in the next 12 months.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle vs Electric Vehicles

Feature	Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV)	Electric Vehicle (EV)
Power Source	Hydrogen gas converted to electricity in a fuel cell	Electricity stored in batteries
Fueling/Charging	Refueled at hydrogen stations	Charged at electrical outlets or charging stations
Range	Generally offers longer driving ranges	Ranges are increasing but may be comparatively shorter
Refueling/Charging Time	Quick refuelling time (a few minutes)	Charging times vary, often longer than hydrogen refuelling
Emissions	Emits only water vapor and warm air	Emissions-free at the tailpipe, contributing to cleaner air
Infrastructure	Faces challenges in establishing widespread hydrogen infrastructure	The growing network of charging stations; infrastructure more established
Energy Source	Hydrogen can be produced from various methods, including renewable sources	Depends on the electricity grid, which may include renewable and non-renewable sources

Current Status of Hydrogen Power Cars in India

Hydrogen fuel cell technology for vehicles is in the early stages in India, and it requires more research. It has gained attention as an alternative to electric vehicles for larger, long-distance travel. Companies like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland are exploring hydrogen cars, with collaborations with Toyota and Hyundai.

In 2024, there’s a predicted shift towards hydrogen in India. The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to attract substantial investments for a 5 MMT/year hydrogen production capacity. Market projections suggest a $347.85 million hydrogen fuel cell vehicle market in India by 2029.

By 2030, 10,000–12,000 hydrogen-powered cars are expected, mainly for medium and heavy commercial vehicles. India’s car electrification is predicted to surpass China’s and the USA’s by 10-12%. The industry anticipates the introduction of green hydrogen-powered large vehicles on the road within the next 12 months.

Conclusion

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a promising shift towards sustainable transportation in India. While providing longer driving ranges and quick refuelling times, challenges such as limited infrastructure, energy-intensive production, and high initial costs persist. India is actively exploring these vehicles, with companies like Tata Motors leading the way. The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims for a substantial hydrogen production capacity by 2024. Predictions suggest a growing market, but overcoming challenges is crucial for a successful transition. The future holds promise with a potential shift towards green hydrogen-powered vehicles on Indian roads.