FCEV (Hydrogen Car) in India

What is a Hydrogen Car?

A hydrogen fuel cell car is an electric vehicle (EV) that uses hydrogen gas to generate electricity. The car's electric motor is powered by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen within the fuel cell, producing only water vapor as a byproduct.

Technology of Hydrogen Cars

The core technology behind hydrogen cars is the fuel cell. Here's a simplified process and components of Hydrogen car are as follow

• Hydrogen Storage: Compressed hydrogen gas is stored in onboard tanks.

• Fuel Cell Stack: Hydrogen gas flows into the anode side of the fuel cell, while oxygen enters from the cathode side.

• Electrochemical Reaction: A catalyst in the fuel cell separates hydrogen atoms into protons and electrons.

• Electricity Generation: Electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity to power the electric motor

• Water Production: Protons combine with oxygen on the cathode side, producing clean water vapor that exits the tailpipe.

Advantages and Challenges of Hydrogen Cars

Advantages:

• Zero Emissions: Hydrogen cars contribute to cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint, crucial for India's pollution-hit cities.

• Long Driving Range & Quick Refueling: Hydrogen cars offer a driving range comparable to gasoline vehicles, with refueling times of around 5 minutes.

• Government Support: The Indian government actively promotes hydrogen fuel development through initiatives like the National Hydrogen Mission.

Challenges:

• Limited Infrastructure: India currently has few hydrogens refueling stations. Building a nationwide network is essential for wider adoption.

• High Cost: Hydrogen fuel cell technology is still developing, making hydrogen cars to produce Costley and purchase.

Latest News and Updates

Several Indian and international car manufacturers, like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Toyota etc are developing and introducing hydrogen cars in India.

Price of Hydrogen Car in India

As present Hydrogen car are in initial phase and developing its technology and improving efficiency and other parameters. In view of that expected price for Hydrogen car will be around Rs 40.00 Lakh to Rs 55.00 Lakh.

However, price of the Hydrogen car will reduce in phased manner and by year 2030, it will be comparable with other petrol/diesel car and it will cost from Rs. 10.00 Lakh to Rs. 30.00 Lakh based on specification and luxury

Mileage of Hydrogen Car

Mileage of any car depends on model of the car, weather condition, technology and the fuel it consume. Based on current Hydrogen car technology, current trend and research, it is expected that mileage of the Hydrogen car will be around 100-110 kilometer per 1 kg of Hydrogen fuel.

The government's upcoming FAME III scheme might include hydrogen cars, providing a potential boost to the sector.

Research and Status across the World

Hydrogen car technology is undergoing significant research and development globally. Leading car manufacturers like Toyota, BMW, Mercedez Benz, Nissan Motors etc are continuously improving efficiency and reducing costs. While still in its early stages in India, the global advancements position hydrogen cars as a promising future transportation solution.