The promise of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles was alluring, and if it’s done right, it could clean the air in the city. Hydrogen cars would cut our dependence on oil, decrease CO2 emissions, and offer a more environmentally-friendly way to navigate the sprawling urban landscape of Southern California. But how practical is this technology?
NEXO
The Hyundai NEXO Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle is a revolutionary new type of vehicle that can clean the air as it drives. In one hour, the NEXO can clean the air equivalent to the air breathed by 42 adults. The Hyundai NEXO’s regenerative braking system can claw back energy from the road and reduce brake dust deposits. The company claims that if all NEXO’s were on the road today, the environment would benefit from a reduction of over 600,000 trees.
The Nexo also has an advanced hydrogen fuel stack that produces pure H2O on demand. This allows the car to be refueled in five minutes, reducing the overall cost of fueling. And because this is an alternative fuel, the Nexo is eligible for attractive tax credits and rebates. It will qualify for up to $15,000 in federal and state tax credits.
The Nexo’s filtration system is designed to remove particulate matter as small as 0.3 microns. It also has a PM2.5 particulate matter filter that will capture more dangerous particles. The NEXO’s filtration system is so effective that it cleaned 2,000 pounds of air during a test drive of 350 miles. This is a significant breakthrough for hydrogen technology and is a sign of the future.
Hyundai’s NEXO
Hyundai’s NEXO hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle cleans the air as it drives and is available to buy in the UK from 2019. The hydrogen-fueled vehicle is able to run on clean energy for over 650 kilometers and features a sophisticated air purification system. The system purifies air of a variety of pollutants, from microscopic particles to 99.9% of harmful gasses and particulates. This car is also quiet, driving smoothly and quietly, and recently won five stars in the European New Car Assessment Programme (ENCAP) safety tests. Hyundai has developed a stunt to demonstrate the Nexo’s air-cleaning capabilities. It claims that its filtration system can clean air as low as PM2.5 and removes 99.9% of particulates from the air before they get into the fuel cell stack.
The Hyundai Nexo was driven for six hours in icy conditions and at altitudes of over 2200 meters (equivalent to 7200 feet). Adrien Tambay completed 190 laps of the International Record Centre for Carbon-Free Vehicles in Val Thorens, France. This equates to 666 km, or about 145 miles, at 68 mph. Hyundai says there’s 50 km left in the tank, and it’s claimed that the car is capable of purifying 267.8 cubic meters of air.
Honda’s FCV
The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is a clean air vehicle that uses a fuel cell to power the car. It runs on hydrogen, and the hydrogen is produced by hydrogen fuel cells. These fuel cells are made of water and hydrogen is one of the most abundant resources in the universe. Honda has made a commitment to hydrogen, and they are building the infrastructure for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
The company has spent 20 years developing fuel cell technology. To ensure safety, the hydrogen fuel tanks are mounted securely in the vehicle’s sub frame. Honda engineers developed these tanks to meet global safety standards. They’re also made of high-tech aluminum wound in carbon fiber, which makes them impact resistant and strong. The Clarity Fuel Cell is also equipped with Honda’s Sensing suite of safety features. It has a Collitigation Braking System, and it utilizes Honda’s next-generation ACE(tm) body structure.
Honda’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicle cleans air with its electric motor and is designed to be an environmentally friendly car. Honda has a history of environmental innovation, and the Honda CVCC was the first vehicle to meet the amended Clean Air Act initiative. The FCX fuel cell vehicle uses hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity that powers an electric motor and propels the vehicle.
Toyota’s FCV
Toyota has developed a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle called FCHV, which runs on compressed hydrogen. It has also been developed as a city bus. Toyota developed the FCHV-3 model over eight months. This model includes the high-pressure hydrogen hybrid tank and the Clean Hydrocarbon Fuel reformer. Toyota also leases two of these hydrogen vehicles to the Japanese government and the Universities of California, Irvine and Davis. Toyota will introduce the FINE-S hydrogen fuel cell hybrid-electric concept vehicle at the 2003 North American International Auto Show.
Toyota has been a leader in clean-car policy but has stumbled in recent years. Other automakers have been pushing ahead with ambitious electric vehicle plans. One analyst, Danny Magill, of InfluenceMap, a nonprofit organization that tracks corporate climate lobbying, has given Toyota a “D” grade. He says the automaker is using its policy influence to undermine public climate goals.
Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicle cleans air by removing dust, pollen, and some “noxious chemicals” from the air. The first stage of the filter is a catalyst that neutralizes nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. The second stage is a paper-and-fabric filter that captures microscopic pollutants.
Hyundai’s FCV
Hyundai Motor has committed billions of dollars to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology for its cars and trucks. The company has envisioned a hydrogen-powered vehicle that will clean the air while minimizing emissions. It hopes to make hydrogen vehicles a common part of the automotive industry by the 2030s.
The Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicle combines alternative fuel powertrain with premium luxury craftsmanship and seamless connectivity. It offers a 380-mile range and produces up to 161 horsepower. Its aerodynamic design and lightweight body also make it an ideal vehicle for the city.
The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle’s technology also allows it to wash and water a car without releasing any exhaust gas. It also has a low noise level, which cuts down on noise pollution. This clean energy vehicle is also designed to provide clean water, which is a key feature of modern society. Hyundai is working on other hydrogen fuel cell vehicle concepts, including emergency vehicles and rescue drones. Additionally, it is working on its Vision FK concept, a high-performance rear-wheel-drive sports car.
Nissan FCV
Fuel cell cars are not yet on the market in the U.S., but the cost of hydrogen fuel cells is expected to drop over time as the market grows and manufacturers achieve economies of scale. Fuel cell vehicles can last up to 312 miles on a single charge, and cost about $80 to refuel. However, most drivers don’t let the tank run completely empty, and refuel at around $55 or $65. If you’re interested in purchasing a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the automakers will often cover the fueling costs for three years, and even give you a prepaid card for up to $15,000 to fuel up.
Despite the hype, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have several challenges. For one, most hydrogen used for fueling vehicles is not “green hydrogen” – meaning it was made with renewable energy. Instead, most hydrogen produced in the U.S. is produced by steam methane reformation, a process that produces air emissions. While hydrogen-fuel cell vehicles do reduce air pollution, hydrogen vehicles cannot provide a zero-emissions solution.
Toyota FCV
Toyota FCV is a hybrid fuel cell vehicle concept that made its North American debut in Las Vegas. It uses compressed hydrogen gas to power the vehicle, and it also converts oxygen in the air into electricity. It emits clean water vapor as a byproduct. This technology allows it to run on a lower gasoline mileage than conventional vehicles. Toyota is one of the leading companies developing hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The FCV is now available in California, with the manufacturer teaming up with the state to build 100 hydrogen fueling stations by 2020. The company has already opened three stations, and plans to open another 17 in the near future. These will be primarily in the Los Angeles and Orange counties, and the Bay Area. Toyota is offering three years of free fuel, up to $15,000, to those who purchase the FCV.
The FCV has a sleek, futuristic design. A fuel cell converts hydrogen gas into electricity, and the FCV has a driving range of approximately 300 miles.
Honda FCV
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are the next generation of clean transportation and are already a reality in some places. A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle can run for as many as 10 hours before it needs refueling. It uses hydrogen stored in a fuel cell that can be recharged in just ten minutes. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are already being used in cities across the country, and there are plans to expand their use even further.
Hydrogen is renewable and can be used to power vehicles and other equipment. It can be used in conventional engines just like gasoline or diesel, but it does not produce harmful emissions. It can also be used in fuel cells, which separate hydrogen into protons and electrons that power the motor. Protons are then released into the air, where they react with oxygen and create water. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a promising solution to the air pollution crisis and can be used in many types of transportation.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will benefit the public health as well. With more than half of the world’s population living in urban areas, air pollution is a huge concern. Not only will hydrogen fuel cell vehicles help reduce air pollution, but they will also benefit the natural environment. Transportation and manufacturing emissions make up 72% of the greenhouse gases on Earth. These gases contribute to climate change and reduce the natural energy gradient between Earth and the sun.
