Hydrogen cars are the future of the automotive industry. How do hydrogen cars like the Toyota Mirai and BMW X5 work?

Hydrogen cars do not yet occupy a strong position in the market. Few manufacturers decide to focus entirely on the development of this technology. Work is still mainly on electric motors and less polluting internal combustion or hybrid engines. Despite a lot of competition, hydrogen cars are a curiosity. What is worth knowing about them?

How does hydrogen energy work?

The biggest advantage of hydrogen powered vehicles is their environmental friendliness. It is worth noting here that in order to be able to define them in this way, it is necessary to respect the principles of environmental protection also in the production process. 

Hydrogen-powered cars work in such a way that they generate the electricity needed to move the vehicle. This is possible thanks to the installed fuel cells with a hydrogen tank that generates electricity. The electric battery acts as a buffer. Its presence in the entire engine system of the vehicle is necessary, for example, during acceleration. It can also absorb and store kinetic energy during braking. 

The process that takes place in a hydrogen engine 

It is also worth finding out what exactly happens in the hydrogen engine of the vehicle itself. The fuel cell produces electricity from hydrogen. This is due to reverse electrolysis. The reaction itself is that hydrogen and oxygen in the air interact to form water. This generates heat and electricity to drive the electric motor.

Fuel cells in hydrogen cars

PEM fuel cells are used in hydrogen powered vehicles. It is a polymer electrolytic membrane that separates the hydrogen and oxygen surrounding the anode and cathode. The membrane is permeable only to hydrogen ions. At the same time, at the anode, hydrogen molecules are separated into ions and electrons. The hydrogen ions then pass through the EMF to the cathode, where they combine with atmospheric oxygen. Thus, they create water.

On the other hand, hydrogen electrons cannot pass through the EMF. Therefore, they pass through the wire connecting the anode and cathode. In this way, electricity is generated, which charges the traction battery and drives the car's electric motor.

What is hydrogen?

It is considered the simplest, oldest and at the same time the most common element in the entire universe. Hydrogen has no specific color or odor. It is usually gaseous and lighter than air. In nature, it occurs only in a bound form, for example, in water.

Hydrogen as a fuel - where is it obtained from?

The H2 element is obtained in the process of electrolysis. This requires direct current and an electrolyte. Thanks to them, water is split into separate components - hydrogen and oxygen. Oxygen itself is formed at the anode, and hydrogen at the cathode. H2 is often a by-product of chemical processes, natural gas synthesis or crude oil refining. A significant part of the hydrogen demand is met by renewable energy sources.

Hydrogen from renewable sources - which raw materials fall into this group?

It is worth clarifying which specific materials can be called renewable raw materials. For hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles to be sustainable, fuel must come from sources such as:

• photovoltaics;
• wind energy;
• water energy;
• solar energy;
• geothermal energy;
• biomass.

Hydrogen cars – Toyota Mirai

The 2022 Toyota Mirai, as well as 2021, is one of the most frequently chosen models by customers. Mirai has a range of up to 555 km and a 134 kW electric motor located at the rear of the car. Energy is generated by on-board fuel cells located under the front hood of the car. Hydrogen is used as primary energy and stored in tanks in the so-called cardan tunnel under the rear seats. The tanks hold 5,6 kg of hydrogen at 700 bar. The design of the Toyota Mirai is also an advantage - the design of the car is not futuristic, but classic.

Mirai accelerates to 100 km/h in 9,2 seconds and has a top speed of 175 km/h.. The Toyota Mirai delivers consistent power and responds very well to the driver's movements - both accelerating and braking.

Hydrogen BMW X5 - a car worth paying attention to

The hydrogen-powered vehicle lineup also includes SUVs. One of them is the BMW X5 Hydrogen. The model in its design does not differ from its furnace counterparts from the same series. Only the light panels or the design of the rims may differ, but these are not conspicuous inconsistencies. The product of the Bavarian brand has two tanks capable of storing up to 6 kg of gas, as well as fuel cells with a capacity of up to 170 hp. Interestingly, BMW has joined forces with Toyota. The hydrogen-powered X5 model is developed using the same technology as the cars of the Asian manufacturer Hydrogen NEXT. 

Are hydrogen cars really green?

The main advantage of hydrogen cars is that they are environmentally friendly. However, whether this is actually the case depends largely on how hydrogen is produced. At a time when the main method of obtaining fuel is production using natural gas, electricity, which in itself is environmental and emission-free, does not reduce all pollution that occurs during the production of hydrogen. Even after prolonged use of the car. A hydrogen car can be called completely green if the energy needed to run it comes entirely from renewable sources. At the same time, the vehicle is completely safe for the environment. 

Hydrogen cars - summary

Electric vehicles have an ever-increasing range and are also a lot of fun to drive. However, refueling electric vehicles can be a challenge. Cars with such a drive will prove themselves excellently in the vicinity of large cities, such as Warsaw.There are still few hydrogen filling stations in our country, but this should change by 2030, when the number of stations will increase to more than 100, according to Orlen.