In recent years the car industry has changed dramatically. Where once electric cars were made out as somewhat of a fad, or something that would never achieve everyday use, today they are looking set to become one of the most influential and innovative consumer items of the 21st century. Now however more people are discovering hydrogen fuel cars, as this initial market for electric cars has led to an expansion in research development and alternatives to the traditional petrol and diesel fuelled vehicles.
The Electric Car… The basics
Most people understand the basics behind the standard electric car by now, but in case you’ve missed it, here’s a quick rundown.
An electric car carries a battery-powered selector motor. It does not feature, as standard cars do, combustion engines; instead it is simply charged, much like a mobile phone is. As such it is incredibly environmentally friendly, as it doesn’t produce any of the harmful pollution that typical petrol or diesel powered cars do.
The Hydrogen car… The basics
In comparison to an electric car, hydrogen powered cars can be considered, to some extent, as a form of electric car, indeed, its motor is powered by electricity. However what makes this different is where the electricity is sourced from. Rather than running a battery a hydrogen fuel car features a hydrogen fuel cell. This relatively small device uses hydrogen (which is the most prevalent element in the entire universe!), processes it and generates power that the engine can run off.
Hydrogen vs Electric cars: The Showdown
You’d now be forgiven for thinking that there’s very little if anything between electric and hydrogen powered cars. For a start however you may think that one or another may require more electricity, or more harmful a form of electricity generation than the other. Standard electric cars will receive power that comes from plants (which actually burn fossil fuels to produce the energy); whereas hydrogen cars receive power that has been created through electrolysis (where electricity is passed through water). In both instances then there are elements of harmfulness to the environment.
Hydrogen vs Electric cars: A Question of Performance
So if both can be as equally as good or bad for the environment, it then comes down to performance and this topic may well be somewhat of a nonstarter. This is because each vehicle manufacturer has differing skills at producing cars and whilst one may create a powerful car which is combined with aesthetics that wins awards, it’s not then necessary to say that the power is down to the electric or hydrogen format.
Electric and Hydrogen powered cars: The best of the best
The most effective way to get to grips with the electric and hydrogen car markets is to take a look at some of the leading models with each engine form.
The top three electric powered cars
1. Nissan Leaf
Price: $30,400 including Government plug-in grant
2. Smart ForTwo Electric
Price: $19,700 including Government plug-in grant
3. Renault Twizy
Price: from $9,995
The top three hydrogen power cars
1. Toyota
Price: To be confirmed
2. Honda FCX
Price: Second hand prices (no longer available as new)
3. Hyundai ix35
Price: From $18,500
