How Much Hydrogen to Run a Car Engine?

Cars manufacturers are planning for clean energy sources, such as hydrogen, to be used for future car models.

Fuel cells are an emerging technology in the United States as most car manufacturers have plans for hydrogen-fueled cars. Hydrogen is significantly more efficient than gasoline since it contains more than twice the amount of energy provided by gasoline.

Hydrogen Weight

Liquid hydrogen weighs approximately 10 times less than gasoline per cubic centimeter and contains 2.6 times the amount of energy gasoline stores according to Stanford University researchers.

Storage Tanks

Hydrogen fuel cells require approximately four times the amount of gasoline to produce the same amount of energy. More space will need to be allotted for hydrogen fuel tanks, while weighing less. On average, hydrogen prototypes hold 20 gallons, storing fuel at either 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi) or 10,000 psi.

Engine Usage

Cars for the standard consumer, compared to those designed for racing have average ranges up to 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen fuel. Current car models limit the size of hydrogen fuel tanks to approximately 20 gallons, meaning these engines require one gallon of hydrogen for every 15 miles.

References

• Stanford University: Hydrogen