How EVs and hydrogen cars compare in the shift to clean transport

The article compares battery-electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCEVs) as two different electric drivetrain technologies aimed at reducing emissions from transport. EVs store electricity directly in batteries and convert it efficiently into motion, achieving about 70-90% energy efficiency due to fewer conversion steps. Their charging infrastructure leverages the existing electricity grid, which is widespread and increasingly powered by renewables. In contrast, hydrogen cars store energy as compressed hydrogen gas, which is converted back into electricity via fuel cells. However, the entire hydrogen production and usage chain—electrolysis, compression, transport, and conversion—results in significantly lower overall efficiency (25-45%) and greater energy losses. From a climate perspective, lifecycle analyses show battery EVs currently produce 70-75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than petrol cars, benefiting from direct grid connection and improving grid decarbonization. Hydrogen cars can approach similar low emissions only if the hydrogen is “green,” produced from renewable electricity;