Are hydrogen cars about to be outperformed by liquid nitrogen?

H2 typically outperforms battery electric for power and range, but is it the winner?

In the race to find the most practical and viable low- or zero-emission passenger vehicle, hydrogen cars and battery electrics have been duking it out for the last several years.

Battery electrics have been the clear winner on North American roads

That said, in terms of performance, many are still pointing to hydrogen cars as the top choice, with a much faster refueling time and a notably longer range.  Still, each technology has its downsides, and battery electric vehicles have seen a rapid – though rocky – climb among motorists.

With climate change continually throwing new threats in humanity’s direction all over the world, vehicle makers haven’t simply stopped at two forms of alternative clean transportation technology.  There have been other options appearing in tests and pilot programs around the world.

Among the promising technologies that could compete with hydrogen cars is liquid nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen cars haven’t seen much time in the headlines, but there are several projects underway developing new ways to best employ the technology.  The fuel appears promising enough that researchers are looking into its potential as a solution within the market, focusing on how it can be used, how it may overcome some of the challenges faced by other technologies, and how its performance will compare with battery electrics and hydrogen cars.

Like H2, liquid nitrogen refuels very quickly, meaning that refueling times can be comparable to today’s gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.  This shows that it will also overcome the challenge of slow recharging times from electric vehicles.

Hydrogen cars can already do that. Since that’s the case, why focus on liquid nitrogen?

A nitrogen engine is comparatively simple and comes with the potential for reduced costs in manufacturing and maintenance.  Moreover, since the majority of the Earth’s atmosphere – that is, the ambient air around us – is made up of nitrogen, it’s not difficult to source.  This has the potential to overcome some of the challenges associated with obtaining H2 as a fuel.

The nitrogen itself can be obtained by fractioning air by separation, a process powered by renewable energy.

Like both H2 and battery electric vehicles, liquid nitrogen’s use doesn’t lead to greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, it emits only nitrogen, oxygen, and cold air, none of which pollute the atmosphere.

While it’s certain that it will have its own challenges, it is promising to hear about new technologies for clean transportation that may keep up with – or exceed – those we already have.