The UK could resort to an alternative fuel for cars, but there are several major problems.
As concerns grow about the price and practicality of electric cars, more people are calling for the UK to look at alternative fuels.
One is hydrogen, which can be deposited into a tank in a car where it is converted into electricity. Theoretically to fill up a hydrogen car would take only a little longer than a petrol or diesel car.
However, there are a few issues facing hydrogen cars in the UK. One of the main issues is the lack of hydrogen filling stations.
According to a recent update to the Government’s Hydrogen Strategy, there are only around eight hydrogen filling stations in the country.
Furthermore, there are very few hydrogen cars available to buy in the UK. One of the most well-known is the Toyota Mirai, a car once driven by former Top Gear presenter James May.
What’s more, some experts believe that despite the potential benefits of hydrogen cars, they may not be right for the UK population.
Speaking to GB News, the research director at IDTechEx, Dr James Edmondson, said that the sale of hydrogen cars had slowed in recent years and that regular car use may not be where the hydrogen vehicle, also known as a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), thrives.
He said: “IDTechEx believes that FCEVs are not optimal for use in vehicles like cars, vans, or buses.
“Transport markets are large, so even a small market share adoption could lead to a significant opportunity for component and vehicle suppliers.
While FCEVs might not be the best solution in an ideal world, a combination of specific use cases and supporting hydrogen applications could see some limited success for FCEVs.”
Dr Edmonson’s comments come a year after, APAC Hydrogen Business Manager at Haskel Stewart Anderson told the Express there was potential for hydrogen to have a massive impact on transportation in the UK.
Mr Anderson said: “Amid debate about how to grow the use of hydrogen in the UK to reach net zero, I’m mindful of how countries such as Australia and New Zealand are taking giant leaps in this arena.
“Driven by clear Government strategy, which in turn has unlocked investment in infrastructure, there’s a roadmap to building a network of hydrogen refuelling stations capable of removing emissions from transport.
“I hope to see the UK adopt a similar approach, and unlock the expertise on its doorstep.”
In August last year, the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) announced that First Hydrogen Automotive was planning to trial its hydrogen-powered delivery van.
In a statement, CEO of First Hydrogen Steve Gill said: “Fleet managers are realising that battery electric vehicles (BEV) alone will not provide the reliability and operational flexibility required to meet customer demands.
“The large, growing parcel delivery sector desperately needs to build environmentally friendly and commercially viable fleets, and our hydrogen LCV can help to do that. This presents us with an exciting opportunity to explore a new customer base, enabling us to further accelerate business growth and potentially bring our vehicles to market quicker.”
