Cars – are we ready for hydrogen and fuel cells?

Many ask about the silent revolution in fuel cell cars. This is no rocket science, we should not forget that hydrogen technology is not new, but is tried and tested in a range of fields.

By way of example, refineries today use large quantities of hydrogen as a process gas in the processing of crude oil. Pipelines and hydrogen storage have also been in operation for decades. How can we access the fuel? The answer is that hydrogen is not naturally occurring, but can be found in various other substances, and can be extracted. Hydrogen can be generated from natural gas and biomass, and electrolysis using renewable energies such as solar, wind or hydropower generation. As hydrogen can be generated using methods suited to regional characteristics and climate, an ideal hydrogen cycle that does not rely on fossil fuel can be established in the future.

Hydrogen once generated can be compressed and liquefied for storage and transportation in fuel tanks, so fuel cells need only generate the necessary amount of electricity when and where it is

“Many ask, what are hydrogen and fuel cell cars? Are these safe and cheaper to use than electric models? The answer is that both electric and hydrogen technologies come with their advantages and challenges.”

needed. The question is, are our town planners ready to embrace the challenge of fuel-cell cars on the roads and as a consequence do they plan for a different design for new flyovers and super highways? In a future mass transit solution, one may not forget the unique advantages for no emissions and cheaper fuel cell cars (when compared with more expensive electric vehicles). Needless to say, there is a changing landscape as regards modern transportation and new ideas in Malta have seen scientific studies on how to introduce efficient mass transit solutions. These present important opportunities for commuters are to retool our approach how to sustain the green economy. Malta has just been offered millions in EU funds to be invested in future green projects and this is a unique chance to exploit their use. Recognising such opportunities, we read how on a global scale the automotive industry is investing billions in developing, manufacturing and bringing to market engines that are cleaner and more fuel efficient. Why is this sudden concern in Malta to start reducing emissions and improving congestion problems? This results from a rapid growth in private cars which is partly the cause of enhanced affluence, cheap bank loans and the unpopularity of public transport. Close to 380,000 ageing vehicles (almost one for each resident – a good number being imported second-hand) clog the narrow streets during rush hours, thus rendering commuting a daily nightmare. Government is daringly allocating €700m to upgrade the road networks and this is not a palliative but a bold decision to upgrade the infrastructure. Admittingly, the perfect solution how to tackle our traffic congestion is not an easy one. Noble efforts have been made to exempt electric cars from registration tax and so far, the island has a number of charging bays (albeit limited in number). At the moment, electric vehicles (EVs) are more expensive than conventional ones but EVs come with a variety of savings, like lower operating and maintenance costs – an advantage that their fossil fuelpowered counterparts don’t have.

On top of this, Transport Malta offers cash refunds when buying a new EV while other countries have incentives and tax credits particularly for fleet companies. It is slowly becoming mainstream in Malta that EVs are obviously a practical choice since they provide ample torque such that at the change of colour at traffic lights, you will be able to speed ahead in a sneaky way and nobody notices since the engine is so quiet. Technological advances in electric mobility enable carmakers to offer an ever-expanding range of vehicles, which makes buyers spoilt for choice. Some commuters are perfectly happy with a plug-in hybrid, while others want a fully electric car.

As stated earlier, in Europe public concerns about air quality and greenhouse gas emissions are growing. This concern is coupled with increasingly stringent EU emissions regulations and changing trends in car ownership and has added increasing impetus to the automotive industry’s commitment to produce cheaper ultra-low emission vehicles. It has led to a range of different solutions, including hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, extended-range electric vehicles and the introduction of zero-emission tailpipe vehicles such as battery electric vehicles (BEV) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. BMW is convinced that hydrogen can make an important contribution to sustainable mobility alongside BEVs in the future – provided the necessary hydrogen infrastructure is in place and offers a good price for hydrogen. Ideally the price of the fuel-powered vehicles falls.

Many ask, what are hydrogen and fuel cell cars? Are these safe and cheaper to use than electric models? The answer is that both electric and hydrogen technologies come with their advantages and challenges. To start with, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. It is itself renewable and can also be produced using renewables such as wind and solar. It has been used safely and successfully in industrial processes for a number of years as hydrogen is a clean fuel with no harmful tail pipe emissions. Put simply, for the less technically minded – a fuel cell stack is made up of a large number of individual cells. In each cell a chemical reaction takes place between hydrogen molecules (H2) and the oxygen (O2) present in the ambient air. This reaction produces both water (H2O) and an electric current. A number of electrons so generated move from the negative to the positive electrode – thus generating electricity to drive the motors. In conclusion, as more attention has turned to limiting global warming, the potential for hydrogen to enable the necessary energy transformation has taken a pivotal role. As a fuel, hydrogen has distinct benefits when compared to electric models, including fast refuelling and high energy density.

Most businesses, which value fast refuelling and the mandate to cover large distances, prefer hydrogen to electric as a transport fuel. Another practical advantage is that the hydrogen refuelling infrastructure could also be readily scaled up without the need in Malta to invest in expensive electricity supply upgrades at Electrogas. The technology of the future is with us, as fuel cell vehicles are particularly suited for applications with longer-range journeys (in between refuelling), ideal for buses/trucks/farm equipment with heavier payloads and most importantly with a penchant for returning the island to a cleaner environment.

The writer is a partner in PKF, an audit and business advisory firm