Hydrogen cars: a sustainable future?

It's become obvious: electric cars are the future and will replace petrol and diesel cars within a few years. But alongside electric cars, the use of synthetic fuels (known as e-fuels) and hydrogen will also be allowed.

Why hasn't hydrogen managed to establish itself as an alternative fuel?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen compared with electricity?
Our blogger Alain Dierckx explains.

What is hydrogen?

Hydrogen (H2) isn't a natural energy source, but has to be produced. This can be done in two ways:

- By electrolysis: in this case, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using green electricity, and this is known as "green or renewable hydrogen". No greenhouse gases are released during this process.

- By reacting water with gas under high pressure: this produces "grey hydrogen". This process releases greenhouse gases which, if captured (underground), are referred to as "blue hydrogen".

What are the advantages of hydrogen as a fuel?

• Burning hydrogen doesn't release CO2, which is good for the environment.
• Filling up with hydrogen is quicker than the time needed to recharge an electric vehicle. The time required is comparable to that needed to fill up with petrol or diesel.
• Another advantage is that a vehicle running on hydrogen can drive in low-emission zones.

What are the disadvantages of hydrogen as a fuel?

When hydrogen is produced by reacting water with gas under high pressure ("grey hydrogen"), CO2 is released. To avoid any impact on the environment, the CO2 gas can potentially be stored underground, but this is only a temporary solution.

The production of (green or renewable) hydrogen depends on the amount of green electricity available. This amount is currently insufficient, making the production cost of hydrogen quite high (9.95 euros per kg). In other words, running on hydrogen is currently much more expensive than running on electricity.

Another drawback is that only a handful of car brands are launching hydrogen-powered models (Audi, Toyota, Hyundai). Honda and BMW will join these three brands next year. Purchase prices are high, and always sit above 60,000 euros.

Is hydrogen dangerous?

Hydrogen is compressed under high pressure to be loaded into a vehicle's tank. These tanks are made of solid materials such as carbon or metal, and can therefore easily withstand this pressure.

The only danger lies in hydrogen coming into contact with a flame or a spark, which can cause an explosion. Petrol stations offering hydrogen as a fuel are therefore subject to all sorts of strict safety measures.

What's the fuel consumption of a hydrogen car?

The tank of a hydrogen car can hold five or eight kilos of hydrogen. With one kilo of hydrogen, you can travel around 100 kilometres. Today, the range is therefore significantly greater than that of electric vehicles, which makes hydrogen an interesting fuel option for trucks.

Where can you fill up with hydrogen?

In 2018, the Colruyt group (DATS 24) opened Europe's first hydrogen refuelling station in Halle. Since then, the company has opened four more in Belgium.
Here's an overview of hydrogen stations in Europe (list as of April 2023).
Also see the website https://h2.live/en/

Belgium: Halle, Zaventem, Herve, Erpe-Mere, Ollignies, Haasrode, Antwerp (2)

Luxembourg: Luxembourg

France: Nantes, Bréhémont, Sorigny, Saint-Lo, Tourlaville, Bretteville-sur-Odon, Pont-Eveque, Octeville-sur-Mer, Lillebonne, Rouen, Val-de-Reuil, Le Vieil Evreux, Douains, Paris, Les Loges-en-Josas, Paray-Vieille-Poste, Chevilly-Larue, Roissy-EN-France, Mitry-Mory, Lyon, Chambéry, Alixan, Grenoble, Onet-Le-Chateau, Toulouse, Signes, Bregaillon

Netherlands: Horst, Veldhoven, Breda, Rhoon, Capelle aan den Ijssel, The Hague, Nieuwegein, Arnhem, Doetinchem, Utrecht, Amsterdam (2), Emmen, Pesse, Assen and Groningen.

Germany: Given the large number of stations in Germany, you'll find the interactive map here.

Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza (2), Vinas del Vero, Huesca, Illescas, Puertollano, Albacete, Seville (2)

Austria: Vienna (2), Graz, Innsbruck, Asten

Switzerland: Bern, Geuensee, Crissier, Rümlang, Rothenburg, Zofingen, Sankt Gallen, Hunzenschwil

Italy: Milan, Rome, Bolzano, Mantua, Collesalvetti, Capo d'Orlando (Sicily)

Portugal: Alcabideche

In 2021, the number of hydrogen refuelling stations increased considerably. Worldwide, 142 were added, bringing the total to 685, which of course remains a limited number.

In Europe, Germany is leading the way, and worldwide, it's Asia. Many countries are planning to expand their networks. Here you'll find an interactive map that lets you see what's on offer by region.

Europe's recent decision not to ban the production of hydrogen cars from 2035, unlike petrol and diesel cars, will likely allow this type of fuel to keep growing.