Decoding the Energy Race: Hydrogen Cars vs. Electric Vehicles — Flow of Electrons vs. Transportation of Molecules

When it comes to choosing between hydrogen cars and electric vehicles (EVs), several factors need to be considered. One of the key advantages of EVs is that many people can conveniently charge them at home, utilizing existing electric infrastructure. This means that with the addition of local solar panels, the cost of energy becomes more affordable. On the other hand, hydrogen requires transportation, which involves additional costs and reliance on middle companies, often exceeding the cost of the energy itself. Hydrogen storage at gas stations is expensive and complicated due to safety considerations. In contrast, setting up an EV charger at home is typically a one-time investment. Thus, for those who have the option to charge at home, hydrogen refueling can be considerably more expensive each time you top up. Hydrogen is an excellent model for companies looking to create long-term customers, but it may not be cost-effective for individual consumers who can charge their EVs at home without additional fees.

Electric utility companies may not be as competitive in marketing EVs as companies with an existing gas station model. Gas stations would need substantial investments to adapt for hydrogen, which gas companies might not be committed to at this time. Consequently, they tend to advertise the benefits of hydrogen over EVs. But little progress has been made to reduce the Costs of Hydrogen infrastructure, compared to EV Batteries costs and improvements

Also the efficiency of Hydrogen lifecycle (creation to usage)  is significantly lower to EV battery charging EVs. So running costs are higher.

It's essential to note that hydrogen has its place, particularly when higher energy density is required, such as in planes and ships. In a centralized hydrogen model, like for airports or shipping ports where hydrogen can be generated and stored locally, prices are more likely to be lower than shipping it to gas stations across a vast area.

Personally, I charge my EV using solar energy. I feed excess energy back into the grid during the day when demand is higher and draw energy during the night when there is a surplus of energy in the grid, leading to lower prices. This approach is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. It leverages the existing electric grid infrastructure without significant upgrades and eliminates the need to pay transportation and retail companies each time you refuel.

The only time I require an external charging source is when I travel out of town. Fortunately, hotels with EV charging stations are increasingly available. Alternatively, fast chargers are becoming more common, making it easier to find charging options while on the road.

In the UK, there is an exploration of using existing distribution pipes for hydrogen locally, which may become less relevant post-electrification. The country has made substantial investments in offshore wind power in the North, resulting in surplus energy. However, the challenge lies in the transmission of this energy to the South, where consumers need it.

As with most renewable energy projects, the initial capital expenditure is higher, but the operational expenses are significantly lower than traditional energy sources. Different stakeholders often cherry-pick data to support their interests in this ongoing debate.