The phrase “electric cars killed the hydrogen car” is often thrown around to explain how electric vehicles (EVs) have become the dominant force in the auto industry, essentially leaving hydrogen fuel cell vehicles behind. But it’s not so much a “death” as it is a shift in priorities driven by a few key factors.
First and foremost, electric cars are just much more practical for everyday use. With EVs, you can charge your car with home EV chargers, and with the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, it’s easier than ever to find a charging station when you’re on the road. It’s not perfect everywhere, but it’s getting there. Infact Australia is deploying more EV chargers than EV sale growth with a 4x increase in installed capacity year on year. Hydrogen cars, however, face a significant challenge: the refuelling infrastructure is still very limited and expensive to build. There just aren’t enough hydrogen stations, so even if you’re driving a hydrogen car, you might be worrying about where the next refuel is coming from. This makes EVs far more appealing to the average consumer.
Then there’s the efficiency factor. Electric vehicles are inherently more energy-efficient than hydrogen cars. With an electric car, you’re essentially using electricity directly to power the motor, whereas hydrogen fuel cells require several stages of energy conversion. his lengthy process required to produce Hydrogen requires electricity. Then this hydrogen which needs to be pumped into the vehicles needs to be converted back into electricity to power the car. This makes the whole process less efficient than simply charging a battery.
Cost is another major reason with battery prices having dropped significantly, and there are more affordable options on the market. On the flip side, hydrogen vehicles are still quite costly to produce. The technology isn’t cheap, and the need for hydrogen refueling stations adds extra costs. So, while EVs have become more accessible, hydrogen cars still carry a hefty price tag, both in terms of the vehicle itself and the infrastructure needed to support them.
The environmental impact also comes into play. While hydrogen cars have the potential to be a clean option, the reality is that a lot of hydrogen is still produced using fossil fuels, especially natural gas. There are efforts to produce “green” hydrogen from renewable sources, but it’s not the norm yet. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, are much cleaner, especially if they’re powered by renewable energy like wind or solar. The energy required to produce Hydrogen and then convert it back means you need more electricity generation. This has an environmental impact
And of course, there’s the sheer momentum behind electric cars. Governments around the world are offering incentives for EVs, car manufacturers are heavily investing in electric technologies, and consumers are increasingly leaning toward cleaner, more efficient options. While hydrogen still has a place in certain sectors like heavy-duty transport, for consumers, electric vehicles have become the clear frontrunner.
So, while hydrogen fuel cell vehicles aren’t “dead” and still have some niche applications, it’s clear that electric cars have taken over. They’re cheaper, more efficient, and simply easier to use, which is why they’ve become the future of personal transportation.
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