HYDROGEN TECH FACE-OFF!

Which one is better, hydrogen fuel cell or hydrogen combustion engine?

- SHASHANK SINGH

Let's start with the similarities, they both use hydrogen as fuel. Both have tailpipe emissions composed of water vapour, however, HCE also emits NOx in addition to it. Here onwards, all similarities end.

Hydrogen fuel cell is an engine with no moving parts, which lets hydrogen chemically react with oxygen within its confines of membranes and catalysts. The result of this chemical reaction is electricity, which can be used to power an electric motor, with water vapour being the only byproduct. They are composed of exotic materials such as platinum for catalysts, and also the lack of mass production renders them unaffordable for the masses for now.