Is it time to end the battle between battery and fuel-cell vehicles , and unite these clean energy sources in the mission for automotive decarbonisation ?
SMART ENERGY
BATTERY VS FUEL-CELL VEHICLES - FRIENDS OR FOES ?
Is it time to end the battle between battery and fuel-cell vehicles , and unite these clean energy sources in the mission for automotive decarbonisation ?
WRITTEN BY : CHARLIE STEER-STEPHENSON
The global scarcity of resources has set a significant challenge against the development of sustainable technology in recent years – especially in the sustainable vehicle industry . As it becomes increasingly acknowledged that no technology alone can drive the sustainability movement onward , it looks more likely that the integration of battery and fuel-cell vehicles will be the best option for companies striving to achieve 100 % decarbonisation .
According to leading circular materials technology company , Umicore , the most essential difference between batteries and fuel cells is that the former stores energy which it then uses , whereas the latter generates energy by converting available fuel . Therefore , fuel cells can produce power as long as there is access to fuel .
Interestingly , a fuel cell can also contain a battery component to store the energy it is generating . Although Umicore ’ s primary aim is to develop Proton Exchange Membrane ( PEM ) fuel cell catalysts , the company recognises the benefits of combining the two energy solutions to create electric powertrains that will tackle the clean energy challenge head on : “ Both technologies will have their place as a hybrid solution . Depending on the application , either can be the best answer . It all depends on the needs , demands and conditions of its use .”
While it ’ s clear that battery vehicles have driven themselves to fame faster than hydrogen cars ( especially in the world of passenger vehicles ), the two aren ’ t actually totally pitted against one another . According to Global Spec , as more people begin to switch to clean energy solutions and automotive manufacturers are forced to meet demands for affordable , reliable and sustainable vehicles , it ’ s likely that hybrid models combining elements of batteries and fuel cells will emerge .
78 December 2023