Australia’s Love Affair with Hydrogen Cars: A Short-Lived Romance?
Australia’s enthusiasm for hydrogen cars seems to have fizzled out before it even had a chance to fully ignite. Recent data reveals that only five vehicles running on hydrogen fuel-cells were sold across the country in the last quarter. In stark contrast, battery-powered electric vehicles saw steady sales, with 25,353 EVs purchased during the same period. Hybrid cars were even more popular, with 46,727 units sold.
This disappointing trend is a far cry from the optimistic vision laid out by the Morrison government in late 2021 when it released a „future fuels“ strategy that touted hydrogen as a potential replacement for petrol cars. A national hydrogen strategy released two years prior had also championed the fuel’s „exciting possibilities“ and touted hydrogen cars as potentially superior to EVs.
However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Alison Reeve, deputy director of the energy and climate program at the Grattan Institute, believes it may be time to acknowledge that hydrogen cars have likely had their moment in the sun. She notes that while hydrogen was once seen as a versatile and clean alternative to fossil fuels, it has fallen short in practice.
Reeve explains, „It can do a lot of things… but it does most of them quite badly – particularly compared to electricity.“ She predicts that hydrogen cars may not have a lasting presence on the roads, as battery electric vehicles offer greater efficiency and ease of adoption.
Prof. Jake Whitehead, head of policy at the Electric Vehicle Council, echoes Reeve’s sentiments, calling hydrogen cars a distraction from the urgent need to electrify the transport system. He argues that hydrogen cars are neither economical nor efficient, and suggests that some parties may be using the technology as a red herring to delay the transition to electric vehicles.
The global market seems to reflect this sentiment, with only about 14,000 hydrogen cars sold worldwide last year compared to 14 million battery and plug-in hybrid electric cars. This disparity underscores the challenges facing hydrogen vehicles in gaining widespread acceptance.
Despite these setbacks, some voices in Australia remain optimistic about the future of hydrogen cars. State and territory governments have extended their trials of hydrogen fleet vehicles, with the ACT and Queensland governments incorporating hydrogen cars into their zero-emission vehicle fleets.
Geoffrey Rutledge, deputy director general of the ACT environment department, emphasizes that EVs and hydrogen should not be viewed as mutually exclusive options. He highlights the ACT government’s efforts to diversify its zero-emission vehicle fleet, which includes a mix of EVs, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, and hydrogen-fueled vehicles.
While hydrogen cars may have a niche role to play in specific applications such as producing green iron, jet fuel, and ammonia, the consensus seems to be shifting away from their viability as mainstream passenger vehicles. Dr. Alan Finkel, former Australian chief scientist and advocate for hydrogen technology, acknowledges the logistical challenges of refueling hydrogen cars compared to the convenience of charging EVs at home.
In conclusion, while the allure of hydrogen cars may have dimmed in Australia, the debate over their future continues. As the market evolves and technology advances, the fate of hydrogen vehicles remains uncertain. Whether they will carve out a niche or fade into obscurity, only time will tell.