When it comes to the powertrain of the future, are not the two biggest car manufacturers in the world really agree. Since the diesel scandal, the Volkswagen group is fully committed to electric mobility. ID.3 to make this year the start of the shot. Toyota maintains, however, been successful so far on the Hybrid drive. Electric cars are currently a issue, but the Japanese, the Mirai is still an Alternative: hydrogen-powered fuel cell cars.
In principle, it is also electric cars. However, the current is supplied by battery, but on Board from hydrogen and oxygen produced. As the “exhaust” produced is simply water vapor.
This suggests
The big advantage in comparison to the large drive battery, fuel in the Form of gaseous hydrogen can be rapidly refueled, a battery can be charged with electricity. A full recharge takes about the same length as with gasoline or Diesel; after that, the cars create between 400 to 500 kilometres. That’s more than most E to create cars with the battery in everyday life.
The objection
but There are also problems: The rapid refueling benefit of even a little – because there are hardly any gas stations. The infrastructure is not full of holes, but virtually non-existent. Hardly anyone is investing in hydrogen fuel stations, while charging stations such as Geiss sprout flowers out of the ground, because E-cars will be politically preferred, and partially subsidised by the government. This is certainly the case for Europe. In Switzerland, a major retailer, Coop has for 2016 on hydrogen and has opened in Hunzenschwil AG, the first public hydrogen filling station in Switzerland. Two years later, Coop was one of the founders of the Association of friends, wants to build by 2023, a nationwide hydrogen filling station network in Switzerland. At the Moment, six more locations are in planning.
in addition to the production of hydrogen is currently very expensive and not very environmentally friendly. However, there are aspirations, with excess capacity from water, Wind and solar power, clean production of hydrogen. In addition, the technology is very complex and a lot of space needs, which is why self-hydrogen-SUVs have 4×4. And because of the small number of pieces, the vehicles are very expensive. Currently in Switzerland, offered models, the Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo, costs both from the 89’900 Swiss francs.
To many projects, it will become calm
At the Moment, the fuel cell is especially for Asian brands, with a theme. In addition to Toyota, Hyundai and even Honda, “bomb says!”, even if your Clarity is not offered in the Fuel Cell at the moment in Switzerland. In Europe, it is rather “water!”. VW has pulled his project for the time being, to series maturity by. Mercedes has not announced two years ago the GLC F-Cell for the same autumn, officially, he will be offered today, however.
Toyota biased BMW is a
BMW makes now and again (water)vapor. Bayern want to test the hydrogen-powered starting in 2022 in converted X5. The basis for the hydrogen drive of the Mirai, the BMW in 2013, gathered in a fleet of 5-series GT first experience. Because the project is created in partnership with Toyota, which has also led to new editions of BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra.
The hand brake has not solved the BMW is not yet complete. With a series production model is not expected until after 2025. And the study BMW i is Hydrogen, Next is already making you want more. The performance of the system is ordinary 275 kW (374 HP). Two 700-bar Tanks hold six kilograms of hydrogen, which corresponds to about 600 kilometres of range.
But also the hydrogen-BMW it should only be a small-scale. Data specialist IHS, Markit expects that by 2025 in the world only 150’000 hydrogen vehicles are sold each year. The global car market comprises around 80 million vehicles. One reason is certainly that many customers are on the subject of electric mobility is still skeptical and ask yourself how strong your next car needs to be electrified.
there is A small Chance
Two facts could help the fuel cell, however, a breakthrough. Firstly, the Chinese manufacturers are more and more of this. Some are already entered into similar partnerships with Toyota. Secondly, the complex drive for truck is much better suited than batteries because the payload is less restricted. Truck would benefit wide of short refuelling times and a large Empire. In the case of time-consuming technique could be used in addition to the large 700-bar Tanks on the roof or behind the cab to accommodate. If then for the transport industry, the gas station infrastructure was built, it could be the fuel cell for PW but still interesting.
