The maximum range is dependent on the size of the fuel cells, most hydrogen cars currently on sale offer around 300 to 400 miles of range between fills. The Toyota Mirai is capable of reaching 60mph in 9 seconds, which is comparable to a mid-level petrol-powered hatchback. The instant responsiveness of a hydrogen car makes it perfect around town, although acceleration does taper off at higher speeds. The Toyota Mirai drives like a conventional EV
The brake regeneration is also similar to an EV, so a hydrogen car will slow down without having to touch the brake pedal.
They usually have a single-gear transmission (so no gear changes) and response to accelerator inputs is immediate, just like in an electric car. How do you drive a hydrogen car?Ī hydrogen car offers a driving experience very similar to an electric vehicle. Most hydrogen fuel cell cars also have a small lithium-ion battery (similar to what you get in a hybrid car) to store electrical energy as it is generated by the fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells split electrons from hydrogen molecules to produce electricity The only by-product of this chemical reaction is water. This is done by separating electrons from hydrogen molecules these electrons constitute the electricity drives the car via an electric motor. Hydrogen cars, also referred to as Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs), use fuel cells to convert oxygen and hydrogen into electrical energy.
In this article we will delve into the details of how hydrogen-powered cars work, and whether they can be a viable alternative to conventional internal combustion and electric vehicles. Hydrogen cars feature fuel cells that convert the hydrogen into electricity, which is then used to power an electric motor to drive the car’s wheels. Hydrogen cars sound like the perfect solution to pollution in many ways – but what are they, how do they work, and should you buy one?Īs the name suggests, a hydrogen car uses hydrogen as its energy source.