In The Country & Town OCTOBER 2024

Hydrogen fuel cell

What is seen as the EVs biggest rival is the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle.This alternative could play a massive part in the future, however here in the UK it hasn’t taken off due to the high costs of the cars that feature a fuel cell drivetrain and the lack of infrastructure. One of the big benefits of a hydrogen car is its by-product of only water, while a full fill-up of hydrogen only takes slightly longer than that for a petrol or diesel car. The powertrain consists of an electric motor and a fuel cell.The hydrogen is the substance and then is mixed with air which is fed into the fuel cell which then makes an electrochemical reaction which turns into electricity, heat and water vapour.

Hydrogen internal combustion

Car companies such as Toyota are undertaking the development of the internal combustion engine that we all know, but fuelling it with one of the most abundant elements in the universe – hydrogen.

The firm has also competed in the Super Taikyu 24-hour race at Fuji Speedway last year to see if the technology could move on to motorsport, too.

Currently in its development stage, passenger models such as the GR Yaris and Corolla Cross (not available in the UK) are being put through their paces to see whether this technology could work as a traditional fuel of the future. Furthermore, like with fuel cell vehicles, the only emissions created is water vapour, meaning that this alternative gives all of the benefits of a normal engine with none of the drawbacksssions: 167g/km

18 | mccarthyholden.co.uk

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