Analysts asserted that hydrogen fuel-cell cars are the future during a time when the electric vehicle (EV) market was experiencing exponential growth. These vehicles only emit water and refueling takes a mere five minutes, making them appear as strong contenders against electric cars, which require hours of charging to increase their range. However, as battery packs became larger and fast charging technology advanced, fuel-cell technology struggled to keep pace.
Unfortunately, the process of liquefying, storing, and supplying hydrogen is costly, deterring car manufacturers from further developing this technology. Additionally, the lack of proper infrastructure for refueling and low demand created a vicious cycle where potential customers shied away from hydrogen-powered cars due to the absence of infrastructure, and the infrastructure itself remained insufficient due to the deficient demand.
Shell’s decision to close down seven hydrogen refueling stations for passenger cars in California dealt a significant blow to the already struggling hydrogen car market in the state. This move left only three filling stations for heavy-duty vehicles, leaving owners of hydrogen-powered models such as the Toyota Mirai FCV, Hyundai Next, and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell with the need to travel longer distances to refill their cars.
Shell had initially intended to construct new stations in California but ceased these plans. Instead, they temporarily shut down five hydrogen stations, citing no specific reopening date. Eventually, it was revealed that the closure was permanent.
According to a report from the California Energy Commission, only 3,143 hydrogen-powered vehicles were registered in 2023, accounting for less than 1 percent of the number of electric cars registered during the same period.
Shell Hydrogen Vice President Andrew Beard mentioned “other external factors” that contributed to this decision. Supply disruptions and reliability issues at the stations have plagued hydrogen fuel-cell car owners for months.
A report from Hydrogen Insight highlights a court filing that accuses Iwatani Corporation of America (ICA), a Japanese gas company that supplies hydrogen equipment and services, of offering untested equipment, concealing defects, and misleading Shell.
Shell has also closed down all three of its hydrogen stations in the United Kingdom.
In terms of affordability, hydrogen-powered vehicles do not provide a cost-effective alternative to battery electric cars. The Toyota Mirai has a starting price of $49,500 in the United States, while the Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell starts at $60,135.
According to the Source autoevolution.com