Driving around France in a hydrogen car with the Moviatech team!

August 9, 2024
hydrogen car tour de france

Driving around France in a hydrogen car is anything but impossible for the Moviatech team!
Biarritz, Lyon, Lille... In 2021, the Moviatech team took on the challenge of driving to all these cities in a hydrogen car to understand what could still be holding back long hydrogen journeys. Drawing on their experience, they then developed an app designed to help users plan these hydrogen trips. Phillip Van der Merwe, CEO of Moviatech, shares his insights.

Lesson #1: It's possible!

"We planned our tour of France and managed to complete it on time, without any major hitches. It wasn't easy, it wasn't always smooth, but we did it. We took national roads, highways, and even drove from Paris to Lille and back on a single tank. Most importantly, we met many people who had never seen a hydrogen car before!
What's great about these cars is the comfort – they're very quiet, even on the highway!"

Lesson #2: Access to stations is still a real constraint

"The first step is to know where the stations are and the conditions for accessing them. This information is available, but you still need to plan your route in advance.
When we arrived at the stations we had planned on our routes, they were not always open, not always ready to fill our tank (they need to build up pressure and this can take time between fill-ups), and sometimes specific subscriptions were needed to pay for the fuel. In short, there were many constraints to manage before arriving at the station, often by calling the station directly. We experienced a 30-minute refueling stop because everything was ready, but we also waited 16 hours for a fill-up because a truck had refueled just before us!"

Lesson #3: An app is needed to simplify all this

"We returned with one conviction: the situation was not acceptable for new hydrogen users, and an app had to be created to make life easier for everyone so that this mode of transport could be widely adopted and help us decarbonize mobility. We created a patented app where you can see available stations, book a time slot, view the price of hydrogen, and see if the hydrogen is green or not. You can also plan your trip. This app also allows you to pay for the transaction with a single payment method.
Thanks to the use of AI, data, and blockchain, and the transmission of data between stations, energy producers, and vehicles, we eliminate all barriers related to the use of a hydrogen vehicle."

Advantages and Disadvantages of hydrogen cars
Advantages and Disadvantages of hydrogen cars

In the quest to combat climate change and reduce carbon footprints, hydrogen cars have emerged as a compelling solution. The allure of zero-emissions driving, coupled with exciting technological advancements, makes hydrogen cars a viable contender in the evolving automotive landscape. This comprehensive guide explores the key advantages and disadvantages of these innovative vehicles.

Hydrogen Cars: The Future of Sustainable Driving?

Hydrogen cars are powered by fuel cells, which use  hydrogen to generate electricity that powers the vehicle. The only by-product of this process is water, making these cars an eco-friendly alternative to conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles.

Hydrogen Cars Advantages

Emission-Free Operation

Undoubtedly, the most significant advantage of hydrogen cars is their zero-emission status when running. Unlike traditional vehicles that emit harmful pollutants, hydrogen vehicles emit only water vapor, contributing to cleaner air. They need to use green hydrogen to ensure a fully positive footprint. Hydrogen cars are really efficient to reduce carbon footprint when they are used with a high intensity (such as taxi operation for example).

Rapid Refuelling

Another significant advantage of hydrogen cars is their refuelling time. Unlike electric cars that need hours to charge, hydrogen cars can be refueled in just a few minutes, similar to conventional cars.

Excellent Range

When it comes to travel range, hydrogen cars are hard to beat. They can typically cover 300-400 miles on a single tank, making them an excellent option for long-distance travel.

Hydrogen Cars Disadvantages

Infrastructure Limitations

Despite their potential, hydrogen cars face significant infrastructure challenges. The number of hydrogen refuelling stations is currently limited, particularly compared to gasoline stations or electric charging points.

Production and Storage Challenges

Hydrogen production and storage present challenges. Although hydrogen is abundant, producing it in a usable form requires energy, potentially negating some of its environmental benefits. Similarly, storing hydrogen requires special considerations due to its low density and high flammability.

High Costs

The cost of hydrogen cars and hydrogen fuel is currently high, partly due to limited demand and partly due to the complex technology involved. However, costs are expected to decrease as technology improves and adoption increases.

Comparing Hydrogen Cars to Other Green Vehicles

Comparing hydrogen cars to other green vehicles like electric cars is essential to understand where they stand in the broader context of sustainable transportation. While both options offer emission-free driving, each has its pros and cons.

The Role of Renewable Hydrogen in Advancing Hydrogen Cars

Renewable hydrogen can significantly enhance the eco-credentials of hydrogen cars. By producing hydrogen using renewable energy sources, the entire life cycle of hydrogen fuel can be made sustainable.

The Future of Hydrogen Cars

Despite current challenges, the future of hydrogen cars looks promising. With the ongoing commitment to developing renewable hydrogen and enhancing fuel cell technology, hydrogen cars may soon become a common sight on our roads.

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Hydrogen cars: what are the car brands that produces them?
Hydrogen cars: what are the car brands that produces them?

Hydrogen cars are vehicles powered by a hydrogen fuel cell that generates electricity to power the electric motor. Unlike gasoline or diesel cars, hydrogen cars only emit water as exhaust. The development of hydrogen cars is an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the automotive industry. In this article, we will examine the different hydrogen car brands available on the market and the advantages of these cars compared to gasoline or diesel cars.

Hydrogen car brands

Currently, several hydrogen car brands are available on the market. The most popular ones are Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz.

Toyota

Toyota was the first company to launch a hydrogen car, the Toyota Mirai. The Mirai is equipped with a fuel cell that generates electricity to power the electric motor. The car can travel approximately 500 km with a single hydrogen tank.

Hyundai

Hyundai is another car manufacturer that has launched a hydrogen car, the Hyundai Nexo. The Nexo is equipped with a fuel cell that generates electricity to power the electric motor. The car can travel approximately 600 km with a single hydrogen tank.

Honda

Honda has also launched a hydrogen car, the Honda Clarity. The Clarity is equipped with a fuel cell that generates electricity to power the electric motor. The car can travel approximately 650 km with a single hydrogen tank.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has recently launched its hydrogen car, the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell. The GLC F-Cell is equipped with a fuel cell that generates electricity to power the electric motor. The car can travel approximately 430 km with a single hydrogen tank.

Advantages of hydrogen cars

Hydrogen cars offer several advantages compared to gasoline or diesel cars. Here are some of these advantages:

Zero emissions

Hydrogen cars only emit water as exhaust, which means they do not emit any harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Refueling time

The refueling time for hydrogen cars is relatively short compared to electric cars. It only takes a few minutes to fill up the hydrogen tank, while electric cars can take hours to fully recharge.

Range

Hydrogen cars have a range similar to gasoline or diesel cars, which means they can travel long distances without needing to be refueled.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hydrogen cars have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the automotive industry while offering a driving experience similar to gasoline or diesel cars. With renowned brands like Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz offering hydrogen cars on the market, it is clear that this technology is gaining popularity and becoming an increasingly viable alternative for environmentally conscious drivers. With advantages such as zero emissions, fast refueling times, and a range similar to gasoline or diesel cars, hydrogen cars could very well be the sustainable mobility solution of the future.

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Hydrogen Cars vs Electric Cars: Which is the Better Choice?
Hydrogen Cars vs Electric Cars: Which is the Better Choice?

As the world moves towards greener, more sustainable transportation options, hydrogen cars and electric cars have emerged as viable alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This article will delve into the workings of both hydrogen and electric cars, discussing their advantages and disadvantages, and exploring their potential impact on the environment and the future of transportation.

How Hydrogen Cars Work

Hydrogen cars are powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The electricity produced is used to power an electric motor, which drives the car. The only byproduct of this process is water, making hydrogen cars a zero-emission vehicle.

How Electric Cars Work

Electric cars are powered by rechargeable batteries that store electricity. These batteries provide power to an electric motor, which drives the car. Electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions, making them an environmentally friendly option.

Advantages of Hydrogen Cars

  1. Zero tailpipe emissions
  2. Fast refueling times
  3. Longer driving range compared to electric cars
  4. Lighter weight due to smaller battery packs

Advantages of Electric Cars

  1. Zero tailpipe emissions
  2. Lower operating costs due to fewer moving parts and lower energy costs
  3. Quieter operation
  4. Widespread charging infrastructure

Disadvantages of Hydrogen Cars

  1. Limited refueling infrastructure
  2. Higher vehicle costs due to expensive fuel cell technology
  3. Limited vehicle availability

Disadvantages of Electric Cars

  1. Longer charging times
  2. Limited driving range compared to hydrogen cars
  3. Heavy batteries can affect vehicle performance

Environmental Impact

Both hydrogen and electric cars offer significant environmental benefits compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. While electric cars have a smaller carbon footprint due to their reliance on electricity, hydrogen cars also contribute to a cleaner environment by producing only water as a byproduct.

Charging and Refueling Infrastructure

While electric vehicle charging stations have become more prevalent, hydrogen refueling infrastructure remains limited. This could change in the future as more investments are made in hydrogen technology and infrastructure.

Range and Performance

Hydrogen cars generally offer a longer driving range than electric cars, making them a more suitable option for long-distance travel. However, electric cars provide better acceleration and torque, leading to a more responsive driving experience.

Car Availability and Pricing

As of now, electric cars are more widely available and affordable than hydrogen cars. This is due to the higher production costs associated with hydrogen fuel cell technology. However, as technology advances and economies of scale are achieved, hydrogen car prices could decrease.

Government Incentives and Regulations

Governments worldwide are increasingly offering incentives and implementing regulations to encourage the adoption of hydrogen and electric cars. These incentives can include tax breaks, rebates, and other financial benefits, making the transition to cleaner transportation more accessible.

The Future of Hydrogen and Electric Cars

Both hydrogen and electric cars will play an essential role in the future of transportation as the world moves towards more sustainable options. While electric cars currently have the edge in terms of availability and infrastructure, hydrogen cars have the potential to become a more prominent player in the market as technology advances and infrastructure expands.

Conclusion

Hydrogen cars and electric cars both offer viable alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles in the pursuit of more sustainable transportation. While electric cars currently enjoy greater availability, lower costs, and more established charging infrastructure, hydrogen cars have the advantage of longer driving ranges and faster refueling times. As technology progresses and infrastructure develops, the competition between hydrogen and electric cars will continue to evolve, ultimately benefiting consumers and the environment alike.

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