Fuel Cell vs. Electric Vehicles

As American cars move away from petroleum-based fuel sources for new vehicles, two options have emerged for cars in the very near future. One choice comes from electric vehicles while the other features hydrogen fuel cell technology. Both types of vehicles generate power using ions in batteries, and both have zero carbon emissions coming from their powerplants. While EVs have no emissions, the only emission from hydrogen fuel cells is water.

Which is better? Our team at Hyundai Inland Empire explains the debate between hydrogen fuel cell cars vs. electric vehicles.

Which States Favor Fuel Cell vs. Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles are on roads in all 50 states, with more than 600,000 on American roads, according to Environment America. A total of 2.5 million EVs have been sold. Just 15,000 hydrogen fuel cell cars have been purchased in the United States, says Car & Driver. All of those are in California because that’s the only state with hydrogen fuel cell charging stations. The good news is that the state of California offers rebates on purchases of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

When you purchase a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, you get three years or $15,000 worth of charging. Not all EV purchases will do that. 

Average Range of Nexo Fuel Cell vs. Electric Vehicles

The 2023 Hyundai Nexo fuel cell SUV has a range of 380 miles on a single refuel. Much like traditional gasoline, you add tiny hydrogen fuel pellets through a hose at a hydrogen fuel cell refueling station. The entire process takes 5 to 10 minutes, and it’s perfectly safe. The hydrogen fuel pellets mix with oxygen to produce electricity in your vehicle.

EVs have a range of about 200 miles with current vehicles on roads today. As the technology improves, some SUVs and sedans coming in the next few years could see ranges topping 400 miles. Recharging an EV through DC Fast Charging stations takes anywhere from 25 to 40 minutes to get 80 to 100% charged. 

Weather Conditions & Hydrogen Fuel Cell vs. Electric Vehicles

EVs are less efficient in cold weather. It may take up to 40% of the battery’s power just to keep your heater running effectively, and it could take one-fourth of the battery’s power reserve just to be able to start your EV. That’s why it’s best to keep your EV in a warm garage before you start your drive. You can also 

Contrarily, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have no such problem in the weather. The hydrogen and oxygen ions in the fuel cells work in any temperature range or weather conditions. You won’t have to worry about weather, climate, and temperatures with hydrogen fuel cells. Your only two limitations are staying in range of fueling stations and not being able to recharge your hydrogen fuel cell vehicle at home.

Fuel Cell vs. Electric Vehicles at Hyundai Inland Empire

At Hyundai Inland Empire in Loma Linda, we sell Hyundai hybrids and EVs as well as Hyundai Nexo fuel cell SUVs for use on CA roads, giving you eco-friendly options for traversing Redlands and San Bernardino roads.

Have more questions about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for sale? Contact us or call for more information. We’re happy to help in any way we can.