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Can hydrogen fuel cell vehicles compete with electric cars?

It’s time to buy a new vehicle again. I want something that’s fuel efficient and good for the environment, but I heard that hydrogen fuel cells might become more popular than electric vehicles in the future. Are hydrogen fuel cell vehicles better than electric cars?

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Bellina Gaskey · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Energy efficiency and eco-friendly transportation solutions are becoming a focus of public concern. When compared to the energy efficiency of EV’s, which are around 80% energy efficient, its clear that EV’s are more cost effective. This is added to the fact that there are far less hydrogen fueling stations than even EV charging stations.
As infrastructure grows and changes to accommodate it, more people are turning to electric vehicles. This means electric vehicles (EV) are growing in popularity daily, but hydrogen fuel cell cars fill other specific needs.
However, there is another alternative to electric vehicles. Hydrogen vehicles are the superior choice for some companies and drivers. They run on pressurized hydrogen from a fueling station, similar to current gas-powered vehicles. This offers a degree of comfort for people who aren’t quite ready to wait 15-45 minutes at a refueling station for an EV to recharge.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a much cleaner fuel than fossil fuels, even though the fill-up process is comparable. The combustion process doesn’t pollute as much as gas-powered vehicles. Because hydrogen isn’t naturally occurring, we won’t run out of it. This does mean, however, that we have to create the hydrogen fuel. The process to do this, along with transportation needs, means hydrogen is roughly 38% energy efficient.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are not posed to dominate the passenger car market in the same way as electric vehicles. However, because of the energy concern for fueling large vehicles like long-haul trucks, electric vehicles may lose out on that market to hydrogen fuel cells. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a better experience for these large trucks than EV’s can offer.
Insurance can be another money saver when you buy an electric car.
Jerry
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MORE: Toyota Bets on Hydrogen Instead of Battery-Powered EVs
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