Electric vehicles may dominate the headlines, but hydrogen-powered cars continue to generate interest as a potential alternative to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.
While hydrogen vehicles remain relatively rare in the UK, manufacturers and governments around the world continue to invest in hydrogen technology. But how close are we to seeing hydrogen cars become a common sight on our roads?
What Is a Hydrogen Car?
Most hydrogen cars on sale today use fuel cell technology.
Unlike a battery-electric vehicle, which stores electricity in a large battery pack, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle generates its own electricity onboard by combining hydrogen and oxygen.
The process produces electricity to power the vehicle’s electric motor, with water vapour being the primary by-product emitted from the exhaust.
This means hydrogen vehicles can operate with zero tailpipe emissions, making them an attractive option for reducing transport-related emissions.
How Does a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Work?
The technology may sound complicated, but the basic principle is relatively straightforward.
Hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks within the vehicle. When the car is driven, hydrogen enters the fuel cell where it reacts with oxygen from the air.
This chemical reaction generates electricity, which is then used to:
- Power the electric motor directly.
- Charge a small onboard battery that stores excess energy.
The only by-products are water and heat.
It’s important to note that hydrogen itself is not an energy source—it’s an energy carrier. Hydrogen must first be produced before it can be used as fuel.
Is Hydrogen Environmentally Friendly?
That depends on how the hydrogen is produced.
There are several methods of hydrogen production:
Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is created using renewable electricity through a process known as electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.
This is widely considered the most environmentally friendly form of hydrogen production.
Blue Hydrogen
Blue hydrogen is produced using natural gas, with carbon emissions captured and stored.
Grey Hydrogen
Grey hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels without capturing carbon emissions and is currently the most common production method globally.
The environmental benefits of hydrogen vehicles increase significantly when renewable energy is used to produce the hydrogen.
Which Hydrogen Cars Are Available Today?
Hydrogen vehicles remain a niche market, particularly in the UK.
Some of the best-known hydrogen-powered cars include:
- The Toyota Mirai
- The Hyundai NEXO
Several manufacturers continue to research and develop hydrogen technologies, particularly for commercial vehicles, buses and heavy transport.
However, limited refuelling infrastructure remains one of the biggest barriers to wider adoption.
Hydrogen Cars vs Electric Cars
Hydrogen vehicles and battery-electric vehicles both aim to reduce emissions, but they achieve this in different ways.
Advantages of Hydrogen Cars
- Fast refuelling times, often similar to petrol or diesel vehicles.
- Long driving ranges.
- Zero tailpipe emissions.
- Potential suitability for commercial fleets and long-distance travel.
Advantages of Electric Cars
- Much larger charging infrastructure.
- Lower operating costs in many cases.
- Greater vehicle availability.
- Wider manufacturer support.
The Infrastructure Challenge
One of the biggest obstacles facing hydrogen adoption is the lack of refuelling stations.
While electric charging points continue to expand across the UK, hydrogen refuelling stations remain limited. This makes hydrogen ownership less practical for many drivers at present.
What Does the Future Hold?
Many industry experts believe hydrogen could play an important role in the future of transport, particularly in sectors where battery technology may be less suitable, such as:
- Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)
- Long-distance commercial transport
- Buses and coaches
- Industrial fleets
For passenger cars, battery-electric vehicles currently appear to have the strongest momentum, largely due to their established charging infrastructure and growing model availability.
That said, hydrogen technology continues to evolve, and future developments could help overcome some of the challenges currently limiting adoption.
For more insights into electric vehicles, costs and the future of transport, visit our valuation guidance hub.
Learn More About the Future of Motoring
If you’re interested in emerging vehicle technologies, you may also enjoy our guides on WLTP Explained: What Is It and What Does It All Mean? and What Will the Future of Driving Lessons Look Like?
Thinking About Changing Your Car?
Whether you’re considering an electric vehicle, a hybrid, or simply upgrading to something newer, Jamjar.com makes selling your car quick, easy and hassle-free.
Compare offers from a trusted network of UK car buyers, receive a free valuation in minutes and discover what your vehicle could be worth today. Simply enter your registration number into our online valuation tool to get started.