BUSINESS MOTORING
FU E L OF T H E FUTU R E ?
HYD R O G E N
Given that the only waste product they emit is water, hydrogen-powered vehicles seem the ideal fleet option for responsible businesses. But how does the tech work, how close is it to the mainstream and what are the costs? Car makers and industry experts off er their guide to running on the most abundant element in the universe Words Ben Rooth Illustrations Andrew Nye
1. WHAT’S THE JUICE?
Hydrogen-powered cars are often referred to as fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs). The fuel cell converts hydrogen “directly to a current that drives a fully electric powertrain similar to that of a battery-powered vehicle”, explains Oliver Curnick, associate professor of electrochemical power sources at Coventry University’s Institute for
Future Transport and Cities. Since FCVs “don’t use carbon-containing petrol, diesel or liquid petroleum gas, they emit no carbon dioxide during use”, he says. The only waste product arising from the conversion process is water, which is pure enough for human consumption. Many people see hydrogen power as the future of ultra-low-emission motoring. But, until the tech becomes more affordable and the refuelling
infrastructure becomes widely available, that future remains some distance away.
2. WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES BE INTERESTED?
For the 11,000-plus British fi rms that must disclose their emissions under the new statutory streamlined energy and carbon reporting framework, hydrogen promises zero-emission road transport
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