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Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles in India

Details hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, explaining eco-friendly features, efficiency, and emissions benefits. Highlights adoption challenges in India, including infrastructure and costs, and explores future possibilities with government initiatives.

  • 03 Feb 2025
  • 8 min read
  • 129 views

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is currently endorsed by almost every environmentally conscious stakeholder. All over the globe, hydrogen fuel cell technology is gaining momentum. India is no different. Here the H2ICE (Hydrogen Internal Combustion) technology is gaining momentum, especially in the vehicle market. The National Green Hydrogen Mission underscores the Indian government's commitment to fostering the hydrogen economy and amplifying its role in the automotive sector. The goal of achieving an annual production of 5 million metric tons (MMT) of green hydrogen by 2030 enhances the nation's aspirations in the field of hydrogen. We can expect hydrogen fuel cell cars on Indian roads from 2025.

In this blog, we will discuss hydrogen fuel cell cars and their scope of hydrogen car in India.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Meaning

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are typically abbreviated as HFCVs. Hydrogen cars typically operate with an electric motor for propulsion. It employs a fuel-cell stack as its power generator. Within this stack, pure hydrogen (H2) undergoes a process that combines with oxygen (O2) from the atmosphere through a membrane. This chemical reaction produces electricity, which is then utilised to drive the vehicle. Owing to this property, such vehicles are called hydrogen cars. Water vapour is created as a byproduct in hydrogen fuel cell cars. This distinctive operational setup leads to the occasional categorisation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as fuel-cell hybrid electric vehicles (FCHEV).

What is a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)?

Fuel cell electric vehicles, popularly known as FCEVs, typically utilise hydrogen as their power source. Thus, they boast superior efficiency in comparison to traditional internal combustion engine cars. These vehicles stand out by emitting harmless water vapour and warm air, avoiding releasing harmful pollutants. FCEVs are propelled by pure hydrogen gas stored within a vehicle-mounted tank. Typically similar to conventional vehicles, they can refuel within approximately 5 minutes. They also offer an impressive driving range of more than 300 miles. To optimise operational efficiency, FCEVs incorporate advanced features like regenerative braking systems, capturing and storing energy from braking within a battery.

Significance of Hydrogen Power Cars

Several important factors are associated with using a hydrogen car.

  • The primary importance lies in their emission-free nature. This prevents the release of harmful substances into the air. This category of vehicles exclusively generates water as a byproduct during operation, thereby demonstrating complete environmental safety.
  • Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer driving ranges typically similar to traditional combustion engine cars. This is possible due to the substantial energy content of hydrogen fuel.
  • The refuelling process of hydrogen fuel cell cars is relatively much more rapid than traditional cars.
  • Another important aspect is that hydrogen, as an elemental resource, is abundantly available in the natural world. This ensures unlimited supply for the foreseeable future. This sustainability factor is significant in any hydrogen vehicle as it brilliantly solves the problem of finite fossil fuel usage.

Why is Hydrogen Used for Hydrogen Fuel Electric Vehicles?

There are many reasons why hydrogen fuel car uses hydrogen as an energy source.

To begin with, burning hydrogen yields nearly threefold the energy while generating solely water. The mass generated is the equivalent mass of gasoline. This is possible only due to the exceptional combustion properties of hydrogen. A hydrogen fuel cell in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is categorised as an electrochemical cell; it can change chemical energy into electricity. Unlike conventional combustion, it has no significant emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Another distinguishing aspect of fuel cells in hydrogen fuel cell cars is their sustained capacity to generate electricity. This sustained electrical production makes it an attractive option for various applications. This functionality stems from the continuous electrochemical reactions happening within the fuel cell. This helps avoid the reliance on resources that can be exhausted after a certain period.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

Fuel cell electric vehicles, also known as FCEVs, offer a range of advantages and disadvantages, typically compared to other types of vehicles. These are crucial considerations before buying one.

The following are some of the most common disadvantages of using FCEVs.

  • The limited availability of FCEV vehicles, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India, and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure pose a barrier to widespread adoption. Currently, only a limited number of FCEV models are available for sale or lease in various countries. It is primarily available only in countries with existing hydrogen fueling stations.
  • Cost remains a significant disadvantage for FCEVs. FCEVs are more expensive than other types of cars.
  • Further, new vehicle technologies, such as hydrogen cars in India, often face scepticism and concerns about safety and dependability. Overcoming these barriers requires public education campaigns to raise awareness and familiarity with FCEVs, dispelling misconceptions and promoting their benefits.

The following are some of the most popular advantages of using FCEVs.

  • One of the most significant advantages of FCEVs, such as hydrogen cars, is their environmental impact. FCEVs powered by pure hydrogen emit no tailpipe gas. This feature contributes to mitigating climate change. It also contributes significantly to reducing the overall carbon footprint of the transportation sector.
  • While hydrogen production for FCEVs may generate some gases, the emissions are substantially lower than those from conventional internal combustion engines. This presents an opportunity to transition towards cleaner transportation options, reducing the adverse environmental effects associated with fossil fuel consumption.
  • Moreover, FCEVs, such as hydrogen fuel cars, have the potential to enhance energy security by decreasing reliance on foreign oil. Hydrogen, a key fuel source for FCEVs, can be derived from domestic resources, including natural gas, coal, water, biogas, and agricultural waste. By diversifying the energy sources used in the transportation sector, economies become less susceptible to oil price volatility and geopolitical tensions related to oil supply.

The following are some of the most common disadvantages of using FCEVs -

  • The limited availability of FCEV vehicles, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India, and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure pose a barrier to widespread adoption. Currently, only a limited number of FCEV models are available for sale or lease in various countries. It is primarily available only in countries with existing hydrogen fueling stations.
  • Cost remains a significant disadvantage for FCEVs. FCEVs are more expensive than other types of cars.
  • Further, new vehicle technologies, such as hydrogen cars in India, often face scepticism and concerns about safety and dependability. Overcoming these barriers requires public education campaigns to raise awareness and familiarity with FCEVs, dispelling misconceptions and promoting their benefits.

Hydrogen Cars vs Electric Cars

There are prime differences between a hydrogen fuel car and an electric car, as follows.

  • Electric cars typically utilise lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are generally recharged by plugging into an electrical grid. Some electric cars regenerate power during braking; this is possible by converting heat into electricity.
  • On the other hand, hydrogen fuel cell cars also feature electric motors but rely on hydrogen fuel cells. The cells activate hydrogen and oxygen reactions to generate electricity and water vapour. The electricity drives the engine, releasing harmless vapour into the atmosphere. Refuelling hydrogen cars involves specific service stations equipped with pressurised hydrogen tanks.

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Let us examine various factors such as infrastructure, cost, emissions, and more between the two types of cars:

Factors Electric Cars Hydrogen Cars

Infrastructure

Well-developed charging stations worldwide

Limited refuelling stations hinder the adoption

Cost

Generally, more affordable upfront

Higher upfront costs and refuelling prices

Emissions

Zero tailpipe emissions

Zero tailpipe emissions

Noise Pollution

Silent operation

Silent operation

Energy Consumption (Stationary)

No energy consumption at rest

No energy consumption at rest

Reliability

Fewer moving parts, leading to reliability

Fewer moving parts, leading to reliability

Range

Varies, longer recharge times for long trips

Greater ranges and faster refuelling times

Safety

Overheating and fires can be concerns

Various features typically focus the safety measures

Emissions (Manufacturing)

CO2 emissions during battery usage

CO2 emissions during fuel cell production

 

Upcoming Hydrogen Cars in India         

Several new upcoming hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India are set to revolutionise the automobile industry.

  • The BMW iX5, one of the upcoming hydrogens cars in India, has harnessed a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell electric drive-in collaboration with Toyota. This innovative system employs fuel cells to efficiently convert hydrogen stored within two robust 700-bar tanks constructed from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic into electric power. The resultant electrical output can reach an impressive 125 kW.
  • Another notable model of upcoming hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India is from Ineos Automotive. They formally announced a partnership with Hyundai Motor Company in November 2020. This collaboration strongly aims to explore the potential of a hydrogen fuel cell variant for the Ineos Grenadier. The hydrogen-fueled prototype of the Ineos Grenadier is likely to be powered by Hyundai's second-generation fuel cell stack, a technology already employed in the Hyundai Nexo.
  • Lastly, Jaguar Land Rover is venturing into the possibilities of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India. They currently have plans for a Land Rover Defender variant. While a fully battery-powered electric version of the Defender is under development, a hydrogen fuel cell variant is also being explored.

Conclusion

In the landscape of India's automotive industry, the emergence of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs), such as hydrogen fuel cell cars, indicates a promising and sustainable future. India is looking forward to embracing the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source. While disadvantages remain, the advantages of these vehicles, including zero emissions, underscore their significance. The collaboration of technological advancements and strategic partnerships sets the stage for a greener automotive landscape.

 


Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.  

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