The viability of hydrogen as a fuel for trucks is hotly debated. Critics argue that hydrogen is too costly, while proponents believe it will soon match diesel prices. Despite these disagreements, several companies are pushing forward with hydrogen innovations aimed at the transportation industry. FirstElement Fuel, Bosch Rexroth, Nikola, and Hyundai are leading the charge, though their approaches differ significantly.
Hydrogen: A Long Road to Acceptance
Hydrogen propulsion isn’t new—General Motors introduced the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 1966. Yet, hydrogen has struggled to gain widespread traction. Dave Hull of Bosch Rexroth recalls decades of fluctuating interest tied to fuel prices. Today, the push for decarbonization and political support seem to be sustaining the momentum for hydrogen.
Varied Approaches to Hydrogen Technology
Unlike electric vehicles, the hydrogen sector lacks standardization. Some manufacturers are developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, while others are focusing on hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICE). For instance, Hyundai and Nikola are producing Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell trucks capable of 450-500 miles per charge. These trucks are appealing for long-haul operations due to their weight savings and faster refueling times compared to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
On the other hand, Cummins is working on hydrogen ICE engines. These engines operate similarly to traditional diesel engines but with cleaner emissions, although they still emit NOx. Cummins’ X15H engine is currently being tested on real routes.
Fueling Infrastructure: Liquid vs. Gaseous Hydrogen
The form of hydrogen used—liquid or gaseous—also impacts its practicality. FirstElement Fuel initially used gaseous hydrogen but switched to liquid hydrogen to improve refueling times and reduce costs. Liquid hydrogen requires less storage space and energy for compression, making it more efficient overall. However, it must be kept extremely cold, and prolonged storage can lead to boil-off, making gaseous hydrogen a better choice for less frequently used vehicles.
Cost Considerations
The high cost of hydrogen remains a significant barrier. Currently, hydrogen fuel is about 2.5 times more expensive than gasoline in California. However, proponents believe costs will drop as production scales up, similar to the price trajectory of early plasma TVs.
Government Support and Future Prospects
The U.S. government is investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure, with $8 billion allocated for hydrogen hubs and additional tax credits for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. These investments aim to boost hydrogen production and lower costs, potentially making hydrogen a viable alternative to diesel in the near future.
In summary, while hydrogen presents challenges in terms of cost and infrastructure, ongoing innovations and government support could pave the way for its broader adoption in the trucking industry.
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