Hydrogen fuel cells continue to face challenges in the auto industry

May 6, 2016 0 By Alicia Moore

Fuel cell vehicles will have to overcome several issues to find success

Fuel cell vehicles are experiencing a period in which they are becoming more popular, but they still face many challenges that could significantly slow their adoption in the coming years. IHS Automotive has released a new study that suggests that the opportunities that fuel cell vehicles can benefit from may soon disappear. The study highlights several issues facing these vehicles currently, such as the lack of a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure that is meant to support them.

Infrastructure remains a problematic issue for fuel cell vehicles

Lacking infrastructure is, indeed, the greatest challenge facing fuel cell vehicles, according to the study from IHS Automotive. Currently, there are approximately 100 hydrogen fuel stations open to the public throughout the world. Building these stations has proven to be quite expensive, as well, with one fuel station costing more than $3 million to build. Conventional charging stations for battery electric vehicles are significantly less expensive to build. Electric vehicles also benefit from an already established infrastructure, making them more attractive to consumers.

Production of clean vehicles may slow due to the costly nature of hydrogen fuel cells

Hydrogen Fuel Cells Industry StudyThe study predicts that fuel cell vehicle production will reach 70,000 units a year by 2027. This will represent less than 0.1% of all vehicles being produced in the world by that time. While automakers have shown interest in hydrogen fuel cells, vehicles that use these energy systems are quite expensive to develop. This is because fuel cells themselves are quite costly due to their use of rare and expensive materials. The production of fuel cell vehicles will likely be low until hydrogen fuel cells become less expensive, which has become an important issue within the auto industry.

Interest in fuel cell technology remains strong despite challenges

Many have shown interest in fuel cell vehicles because they are highly efficient. These vehicles can, on average, travel more than 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen. When using hydrogen fuel cells, automakers do not need to sacrifice the performance of their vehicles in favor of being more environmentally friendly.

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CategoryHydrogen Fuel Cell Hydrogen news Transportation
Tagsclean vehicles electric vehicles fuel cell vehicles hydrogen fuel hydrogen fuel cells hydrogen fuel infrastructure hydrogen fuel news IHS Automotive

About The Author

Alicia Moore's dedication to sustainable energy products goes beyond her writing. She actively seeks out new ways to live more sustainably, and encourages others to do the same. Her commitment to eco-friendly living is evident in her daily life, and she is always looking for ways to reduce her impact on the environment. What sets Alicia apart as a writer is her ability to communicate complex topics in a way that is accessible to everyone. Her passion for renewable energy is contagious, and her writing inspires readers to consider the ways in which they can make a positive impact on the planet. Ultimately, Alicia's work is driven by a desire to create a more sustainable and equitable world, and her writing serves as a powerful tool for achieving this goal.