Converting Commercial Fleets to Hydrogen Makes Sense

Commercial hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be prevalent on our roads before we know it.  Nikola has been at the forefront of developing hydrogen-powered heavy-duty commercial vehicles showing the world how it’s possible to use clean energy in the transportation industry.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ​Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation account for about 27 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest contributor of U.S. GHG emissions.  Converting commercial fleets to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has the potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel and reduce pollutants in our atmosphere substantially.

Why does hydrogen fuel make sense for commercial vehicles?

Commercial vehicle manufacturers like Nikola are investing heavily in hydrogen fuel cell technology because of the benefits this alternative energy source provides to the industry.  

1. Infrastructure.  Unlike electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are refueled similarly to other diesel and gasoline-powered cars and trucks.  A commercial semi-truck can be filled with hydrogen from a pump in 15 minutes or less.  Current fuel stations can add hydrogen fuel pumps to their infrastructure with an affordable capital investment and relative ease. 
2. Fuel Efficiency.  Hydrogen fuel has a high energy density.  The measurement of megajoules per kilogram reflects the amount of energy in the substance.  While gasoline has an energy density of 45.8 MG/kg and diesel has 45.5 MJ/kg, hydrogen has a density of 120 MJ/kg.  Here’s what this means for the trucking industry.  The national average for a diesel truck’s performance is currently 6.4 miles per gallon.  A similarly sized truck using hydrogen fuel achieves 12 to 15 miles per gallon–over twice as much!
3. Vehicle Efficiency.  Hydrogen fuel operates a battery-electric engine.  Electric drivetrains are more efficient than combustion engines.  Because electric drivetrains don’t lose 50% of their energy through heat like combustion engines, more of the power from the fuel translates into operation instead.  That means hydrogen fuel provides enough horsepower to transport heavy loads through all types of physical environments.
4. Clean Operations.  Long haul truckers and other commercial vehicle drivers spend considerable time in and around their vehicles.  Breathing exhaust from combustion engines isn’t healthy for them, nor does it make for a pleasant experience.  On the other hand, hydrogen fuel cell commercial trucks have no harmful emissions.  Fleet drivers experience a better quality of life.

Is your business prepared for companies who begin converting commercial fleets to hydrogen?

PowerTap Hydrogen allows fuel station owners to produce hydrogen fuel on-site, with a production unit taking up less than 1,000 square feet of space.  Our units can produce over 1,250 kg of pure hydrogen each day using only city water, natural gas, and electricity.  With PowerTap Hydrogen, it’s possible to produce fuel at less than $2 per kilogram–that’s about $9 less than purchasing hydrogen fuel from a wholesaler or producing it onsite via alternative solutions.

If you’re interested in diversifying your current product mix or would like to begin a journey in the exciting future of alternative energy solutions, contact our team at PowerTap Hydrogen today.  We’d love to show you how easy it is to be a part of the hydrogen fuel revolution.