While electric vehicles have dominated the renewable energy sector in the automobile industry for the past two decades, hydrogen is beginning to take center stage. Utilizing fuel-cell technology, many major automobile companies are starting to realize the potential hydrogen has to offer in a world which is actively trying to reach sustainability. Volkswagen is one such company who has been working on a hydrogen engine project.
How hydrogen fuel-cell technology works
Using hydrogen as a fuel source in a vehicle incorporates the use of fuel-cell technology. It generates electricity through a clean electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water as the only byproduct. This makes it an attractive fuel in the sustainability market, provided the hydrogen used is clean, as it means there are zero-emission from the engine. This is particularly important, as many countries are passing laws to ensure that they reach target goals of zero-emissions.
In a fuel cell, hydrogen gas is introduced and a catalyst reacts with the gas to splits the hydrogen molecules into protons and electrons. The protons pass through an electrolyte, while the electrons travel through an external circuit, creating an electric current. The protons, electrons, and oxygen from the air recombine to form water. Honda was one of the first major automobile companies to us this technology as we know it today in a vehicle back in the early 2000s.
Volkswagen submit hydrogen-fuel cell vehicle patent
Earlier this year, Volkswagen submitted a patent for a hydrogen fuel cell stack automobile which could yield a range of up to 2,000km before needing to be refueled. The vehicle will be made in collaboration with German manufacturer Kraftwerk Tubes as well as using technology from Honda and Toyota. This comes with Volkswagen’s plans to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2040.
While hydrogen fuel-cell technology is not new, and hydrogen vehicles are already on the road, Volkswagen is hoping to take the technology to the next level by offering increased efficiency at a lower expense. Currently, Toyota has been leading the hydrogen vehicle trend. Their current hydrogen vehicle Mirai can reach over 600kms without needing to be refueled. This new hydrogen vehicle patent from Volkswagen would offer a significant increase in mileage.
Volkswagen to continue their electric vehicle developments
Volkswagen remains committed to their electric vehicle range throughout their expansion of their alternative engine portfolio. Volkswagen is currently working on a 2027 electric vehicle which is intended to be a more affordable option than the vehicles they currently have on offer. The new model is estimated to cost approximately $21,000.
The biggest challenge automobile makers have had in the alternative fuel sector is trying to offer a vehicle which can compete with internal combustion engine prices. While many consumers would like to go greener, most electric and hydrogen vehicles are priced in the same range as luxury cars. Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand and head of the Core brand group, commented, “Despite the attractive price, our electric cars will set standards in the entry-level segment in terms of technology, design, quality, and customer experience.”
The accelerated interest in hydrogen technology in the automobile industry comes with automobile companies wanting to offer increased options for alternative energy while trying to stay competitive. Even Tesla, mos renowned for their electric vehicles, has announced plans to release a hydrogen and electric hybrid vehicle as early as 2025.
Increased interest in hydrogen technology and plans to make the cars accessible is an encouraging sign as the world continues to advance towards climate targets. By diversifying green engines, automobile companies are ensuring that some pressure is taken off electrical technology to ensure that carbon neutrality can be achieved faster.