Once again, Elon Musk said that hydrogen fuel is “the most dumb thing I could possibly imagine for energy storage.” As the CEO of Tesla, it’s only natural he continues to direct the nation’s attention to electricity–the alternative energy solution for his brand of consumer vehicles and the upcoming release of an elaborate semi-truck model. He has cited production methods for his feelings about this solution.

Hydrogen fuel can be produced in several ways. Totally “green” hydrogen fuel uses electricity generated from renewable sources like wind power to extract hydrogen molecules from water using electrolysis. Blue hydrogen uses a similar process but involves electricity and natural gas to separate the hydrogen molecules. Since blue hydrogen doesn’t eliminate reliance on fossil fuels, Musk feels there is no reason to pursue it.

However, he isn’t considering the importance of using the fuel to power 18-wheeler commercial trucks. It’s not just the production we need to evaluate, but how well vehicles can use alternative energy. Hydrogen fuel represents an ideal clean-burning alternative for commercial trucks and equipment.

The long-haul trucking industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported, “The transportation sector is the largest contributor to anthropogenic U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990-2019…transportation accounted for the largest portion (29%) of total U.S. GHG emission ins 2019.”

In 2021, Commercial Fleet, a U.K.-based trucking consulting group, created an estimation for the carbon emissions related to the operation of one long-haul semi-truck. Their studies found the average trucker drives about 120,000 miles per year and averages 6.5 miles per gallon of diesel fuel. They estimate the truck’s carbon footprint to be 223 tons of carbon dioxide with those numbers.

Almost all commercial trucking companies are revealing hydrogen-powered semi-trucks as their alternative fuel of choice. There are multiple reasons for this:

The hydrogen fuel engine and tank infrastructures are similar to a conventional diesel truck.
The time to refill and get back onto the road is similar to a traditional diesel truck.
Hydrogen fuel provides substantial strength to power heavy commercial vehicles like semi-trucks effectively.

In a July 2019 article, “A Closer Look at Hydrogen Fueled Trucks,” a leading researcher Professor David Antonelli reported, “We could see hydrogen fuel cell systems that cost five times less than lithium-ion batteries…[with] much longer range–potential journeys up to four or five times longer.”

What does this mean for you?

Regardless of the distractions reported in the media, hydrogen fuel continues to be forecasted as the next evolution of alternative energy for the commercial trucking industry. Commercial trucking companies will demand this option to support their fleets from the Pacific to the Atlantic. One of the best ways to diversify your fuel offerings without buying and storing excess inventory is to invest in a PowerTap Hydrogen fuel generator system.

The Andretti Group and PowerTap Hydrogen is the perfect solution for fuel station owners. In only 1,000 square feet of space, you can produce hydrogen fuel onsite for your customers. Our hydrogen generators can manufacture up to 50 kilograms per day, allowing you to have adequate fuel on hand for your customers without runouts or excess storage facilities. Produce as much as you need when you need it–for only $2 to $3 per kilogram. All you need to supply is electricity, natural gas, and access to city water.

Sound exciting? Taking the first steps towards providing our next essential alternative fuel is simple. Contact the Andretti Group today to learn more about our onsite industrial hydrogen generator and how you can diversify your portfolio and increase your profitability. The future is here. Make sure your business is ready.