Why Are Hydrogen Engines a Bad Idea?
The biggest reason why hydrogen-combustion engines are no good? They create nitrogen oxide, which isn't good for people or the environment. Even though carbon isn't part of the hydrogen combustion process, NOx isn't a compromise as automakers look to zero-emission vehicles.

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Hereof, why Hydrogen cars are a bad idea?

In theory, just like a hydrogen fuel cell, a hydrogen combustion engine should not produce the environmentally damaging carbon emissions because hydrogen fuel does not have any carbon in it. Yet, because of the combustion process involved with hydrogen combustion engines, it actually produces nitrogen oxide.

Furthermore, can a car engine run on hydrogen? Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, effectively run on batteries powered by hydrogen instead of the electric power grid. The fuel cell converts the hydrogen and oxygen in the air into water, and in the process it produces electricity. As long as hydrogen and oxygen keep flowing into the fuel cell, it never goes dead.

Likewise, people ask, why don't we use hydrogen as a fuel?

First, hydrogen is not as energy-dense as other fuels, meaning that you need a whole lot of it to do a little bit of work. Fuel cells are far more efficient than internal combustion engines, and a hydrogen fuel cell has cleaner emissions than an internal-combustion hydrogen engine.

What are the problems with hydrogen fuel cells?

The only real problem is the issue of safety. Hydrogen is highly flammable – more so than regular fuel – and is harder to contain than oil. This means that any car fitted with a hydrogen fuel cells is a lot more likely to blow up or set on fire if it is exposed to extreme heat, if it breaks down or if it overheats.

Related Question Answers

How long will a hydrogen fuel cell last?

How long will fuel cells for hydrogen cars last? H2 fuel cells currently in production have a life expectancy of from 5,000 to 10,000 hours. If we apply that to an average driving speed of 45 mph (a combination of in-town on highway driving), we should expect to get 225,000 to 450,000 miles.

How far can a hydrogen car go?

Hydrogen fuel cell cars now average between 312 miles and 380 miles in range, according to the EPA.
James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.