Lithium Ion Batteries VS. Fuel Cells – Which One Will Lead The Way In Clean Transportation?

Image CC Licensed By: FaceMePLS

Although battery electric vehicles continue to lead the way in clean transportation, discussions over fuel cells pop up every once in a while. The idea of a fuel-cell electric vehicle offers some tantalizing prospects for the future of transportation since their input fuel (hydrogen and oxygen) is renewable and they emit very few pollutants. However, uptake of fuel cells in the mainstream automobile market has been virtually non-existent and it is unclear whether this innovative technology will gain traction anytime soon.

In this article, I’ll take a look at the main barriers to fuel-cell adoption and why it is likely battery-electric vehicles will continue to be the logical clean transportation choice long into the future.

Despite the renewability of the individual elements of oxygen and hydrogen, the biggest expense with fuel cells is that processing these inputs into a usable power source is prohibitively expensive and inefficient. The technology required to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity would make cars so expensive that they would be out of reach for the majority of American consumers.

Furthermore, there is practically no infrastructure in place to deliver hydrogen to vehicles should fuel-cells actually make advances in the automobile market. It would require a massive build-up of “fill up” locations around the country, which would require a huge investment of time and money, not to mention an effective way to deliver hydrogen to all these stations in a cost-effective manner.

Finally, the sustainability of hydrogen has been called into question due to its emissions-intensive production process. Producing hydrogen requires the combustion of natural gas, which emits a sizeable amount of greenhouse gases into the air. In fact, the US Department of Energy found that when analyzing fuel cell vehicles from “wells to wheels” the emissions savings is only 45% when compared to conventional gas-powered vehicles, and 25% for hybrids.

Meanwhile, lithium-ion battery powered vehicles have advanced at a steady rate over the past five years, and have now achieved some momentum in the automobile market. The cost associated with EVs is fast approaching parity with conventional vehicles (in fact, many life-cycle analyses show EVs can be cheaper), and studies show EV owners are some of the happiest automobile drivers.

Furthermore, the electrical infrastructure is pretty much already in place, it just requires the installation of charging stations to tap into the power source. Many retailers have already jumped on the opportunity to provide charging stations to their customers (and potential customers), thus solidifying EVs as the logical way forward in clean transportation.

In conclusion, while fuel cells do offer some potential benefits for the future of clean transportation, there are some major hurdles to overcome if they are to achieve some viability. Even if fuel cells do miraculously overcome these barriers 10 or 20 years from now, the battery-electric vehicle market will be well underway by then and so entrenched as a clean transportation option that consumers would be hard-pressed to make the switch to yet another power source for their vehicle. 

Emerging EV Economics on the East Coast: Subsidies, the Ripple Effect, And New Opportunities

Image CC by Crowbared

Will the East Coast be the next hot spot for Electric Vehicles? Although California often receives all the accolades due to innovative EV policies and the concentration of EV manufacturing, current market research suggests the East Coast may already be the next big market for EVs.

This comes as little surprise to some, due to aggressive government policies and broad public acceptance of alternative transportation. In fact, Atlanta has now surpassed Seattle as the #2 market for EVs.

For instance, if you’re looking to buy an EV in Georgia, you’re in the right place. Already, the federal government offers a $7,500 tax credit on the purchase of a new EV. The state kicks in another $4,000 in income tax credits, thus making the price of a brand new EV cost-comparable to a gas-powered automobile.

Georgia also offers a few other perks to those who embrace the EV lifestyle. Some insurance companies offer discounts for eco-friendly driving and green vehicles. In addition, EV drivers have access to HOV lanes, thus giving them a slight advantage in getting from Point A to Point B quicker. And as an increasing number of commercial real estate companies catch on to the green trend, a growing number of EV charging stations are popping up in office building, airports, malls, and hotels across the state.

The EV Subsidy “Ripple Effect”

Although it’s obvious that having strong alternative transportation incentives will spur the growth of EVs, are there other benefits to consider as well? Do the emerging “pro-EV” states on the East Coast know something other state’s don’t?

One thing to note is that EV subsidies don’t just influence a person to buy an EV – these subsidies have a ripple effect that reach out beyond the initial EV purchase. EV owners are some of the most satisfied automobile owners in the country. According to PlugInsights Research, nearly 96.9% of surveyed EV owners would purchase their car again. This means that once a consumer has bought into the EV economy, they will likely to continue to purchase EVs in the future.

However, the ripple effect of EV subsidies does not end there.

A person who buys an EV will often tell people in their social circle of their driving experience. Since the overwhelming majority of EV drivers are thrilled with the overall experience, they will influence others to buy EVs as well. This will in turn create another ripple effect as other people share their experiences with this relatively new transportation option.

New Opportunities Presented By the EV Market

Savvy commercial property owners and managers are beginning to see the numerous opportunities presented by the expansion in the EV market. As more and more EVs hit the streets, there will be an increasing demand on places to charge an EV. Range is still an important factor for many EV drivers, and providing a place to charge an EV presents a great opportunity to tap into an emerging demographic.

Now is the best time to invest in EV infrastructure as the market is continuing to expand and the necessary EV infrastructure has yet to catch up.  Not only can EV charging stations provide a valuable amenity, they can also “green” a company’s corporate image, improve brand exposure, and possibly generate some additional revenue. 

Joseph Tohill is a freelance writer and online communications specialist for organizations in the sustainability sector. He has a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of British Columbia and spent most of his academic career studying sustainable urban development; namely the interdisciplinary relationship between built form and natural environment.