Can Electric Vehicles Be Converted into Hydrogen-Powered Ones?

Conversion of electric vehicles (EVs) to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) might seem like a plausible idea when considering the similarities between these two types of vehicles. However, it is a complex process with significant disadvantages. This article explores whether converting electric vehicles into hydrogen-powered ones is feasible and whether it is a good idea to do so.

The Real Question: Considering the Current State of Hydrogen Fuel

The real question isn't whether we can convert an electric vehicle to a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Instead, it should be whether we still need hydrogen cars at all, given the scarcity of hydrogen refueling infrastructure and the wasteful nature of this process.

The Basic Differences: An Overview of Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Battery Electric Vehicles

Similarities Between FCEVs and BEVs

Both FCEVs and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are electric vehicles. They both rely on a motor that is provided with power from an electric source, and they both use lithium-ion batteries to store energy.

Theoretical Conversion: Possibilities and Limitations

Theoretically, you could convert an electric vehicle to a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle by removing 90% of the battery and reconfiguring the remainder to accept charge from the fuel cell. However, this would require installing a hydrogen fuel cell, which involves significant additional components such as plumbing and tanks. These components would need to be stored in the car, taking up a lot of space.

Practical Considerations: Challenges and Disadvantages

The size and design of EVs are optimized for battery placement. Therefore, placing a fuel cell and tanks in the same space would require extensive modifications, resulting in a severely compromised space utilization and design. Furthermore, FCEVs are heavier, produce less power, and have less interior space compared to EVs of similar size.

Convenience vs. Practicality

One of the main advantages of FCEVs is the convenience of filling up at a hydrogen station, which can be done in just a few minutes. However, this convenience comes at a heavy cost. Hydrogen refueling stations are scarce and are unlikely to increase in number anytime soon. Additionally, hydrogen production is highly wasteful and environmentally damaging. It generates around five times the emissions compared to gasoline, and it can generate as much as twice the emissions of BEVs depending on where you live.

Cost Considerations

While hydrogen can be filled at a similar cost to gasoline, an EV would cost around 75-90% less to fill. Furthermore, fuel cells require ongoing maintenance and are expensive to replace, as they do not last as long as lithium-ion batteries in BEVs.

A Comparison of EVs and FCEVs

Currently, BEVs are outperforming FCEVs in sales by a vast margin and the gap is widening. This is largely due to several practical and technical reasons. Firstly, the lack of refueling infrastructure for hydrogen makes it a non-starter for most consumers. Secondly, the environmental and economic impacts of producing hydrogen are not justifiable. Lastly, the cost of maintaining and replacing fuel cells in FCEVs is prohibitive for most consumers.

Conclusion

Converting an electric vehicle to a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is theoretically possible, but it would not be a good idea to do so. The practical challenges and environmental impact make it an inefficient and impractical solution. By striving to increase the adoption of battery electric vehicles, we can make real progress towards a more sustainable transportation system.