[Square] The Future of Hydrogen Electric Vehicles: Securing Core Technologies and Leadership by Controlling Speed

Kim Pil-su, Director of Kim Pil-su Automobile Research Institute, Professor at Daelim University

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are expected to play a definitive role as one of the zero-emission mobility options representing future transportation. In the not-too-distant future, it is anticipated that electric vehicles will be used for short distances, while hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be designated for long-distance travel. This can be compared to how internal combustion engine vehicles are currently divided into gasoline and diesel engines, each serving different purposes.

For global automakers, who have traditionally played the role of 'super bosses' centered around internal combustion engine vehicles, the current rapid electrification trend may not be welcomed. Since they risk losing not only leadership but also market share, automakers find the existing engine-centered subcontracting system advantageous. However, to meet international environmental standards related to exhaust gases and carbon dioxide emissions, engines are inevitably destined to disappear.

Of course, there are still significant challenges that today’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicles must overcome. Most of the hydrogen currently used as a fuel source is by-product hydrogen, which can be considered 'waste' emitted during the production of petroleum products. When this is insufficient, hydrogen is sometimes extracted (reformed) from natural gas. In other words, it has not yet escaped the limitations of petroleum resources. The 'water electrolysis method,' which produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water, needs to be developed and achieve economies of scale, but securing this technology remains a distant goal.

There are only two hydrogen fuel cell vehicles currently available: Hyundai Motor Company's 'Nexo' and Toyota's 'Mirai.' Honda Motor Company also released the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle Clarity, but discontinued it last June due to skepticism about its economic viability and future potential. Some observers suggest that American and European automakers are not unable to produce hydrogen fuel cell vehicles but choose not to. Given the many unresolved issues, there is considerable uncertainty about its business model.

However, it is clear that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles represent the 'future to be pursued.' Hydrogen is an abundant energy source, accounting for 75% of the universe's matter, and emits almost no greenhouse gases, making it an ideal role model for future zero-emission vehicles. As an 'energy carrier,' if economical methods to extract hydrogen from various energy sources are developed, its applicability will be limitless. Additionally, unlike electrical energy, which is difficult to store long-term, hydrogen energy can be used as an 'always available energy source' at any time, which is another advantage.

Recently, domestic companies jointly formed the 'Korea H2 Business Summit,' a consultative body for the hydrogen economy, reflecting this recognition.

To prepare for the distant future hydrogen fuel cell vehicle era, there are mid- to long-term tasks we must undertake. First, we need to alleviate the public’s vague anxieties about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Concerns about explosion accidents involving hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and the NIMBY (Not in my backyard) phenomenon surrounding hydrogen charging stations are representative examples. Continuous promotion and campaign activities are necessary to improve these misconceptions and eliminate negative perceptions.

The 'limitless' potential of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles also needs to be better publicized. Currently, hydrogen passenger models are sold mainly for promotional purposes, but the greatest advantage of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is that they are optimized for large-capacity, long-distance use. They can be utilized in special areas with limited energy sources, such as remote islands, disaster zones, and various other sectors.

In particular, in the future construction machinery sector, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have the advantage of being able to replace diesel engines. This means that the applicability of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can expand infinitely beyond automobiles to trailers, trams, trains, ships, and more. Hyundai’s 'Xcient,' the world’s first hydrogen truck exported to Switzerland in 2019, provides an important implication in this regard.