The market for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) is more established compared to Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) as of now. FCVs are still in their nascent stages. The availability of charging stations the limiting factor for both segments. FCVs have the potential to be used for heavy-load applications as an alternative to diesel vehicles, as they do not significantly increase in weight with an increase in range.
BEVs are well-suited for light vehicles as an alternative to petrol vehicles, due to the high overall efficiency of around 70% and low running cost of USD 1.2 cents per km. In the future, as technology improves the efficiency of FCVs and reduces their running costs to be equivalent to BEVs. There are chances for FCVs to replace BEVs. FCVs offer several advantages over BEVs, including a low charging time of a maximum of 3 minutes, a longer lifespan than batteries, high energy efficiency, and the ability to produce hydrogen cleanly through electrolysis, compared to the thermal production of electricity for BEVs.
Both technologies have the potential to take over the market and here is a quick analysis of the external environment.
Political Factors: The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) is greatly influenced by global policies, including the United Nations’ net-zero emission targets and other environmentally focused policies. These policies play a significant role in driving the adoption and expansion of EVs and FCVs worldwide.
Economic Factors: Electric vehicles (EVs) may have a higher upfront cost than petrol or diesel vehicles, but they provide lower operating expenses and greater efficiency, particularly when compared to internal combustion engines (IC). As mass production grows and technology progresses, the price of EVs is anticipated to decrease in the future.
Sociological Factors: Young individuals globally are increasingly worried about the health of the planet, leading to a shift towards electric vehicles instead of traditional internal combustion engines.
Technological Factors: The rapid expansion of sustainable energy sources is a significant catalyst for electric vehicles.
Legislative Factors: Regulations that support and incentivize the adoption of EVs in countries worldwide play a significant role in driving EV sales.
Environmental Factors: Concerns such as the depletion of oil and gas reserves, as well as issues like climate change and global warming, are key drivers for the adoption of EVs.
Here’s a comparison chart of EVs and Fuel cell in terms of market growth.
| Aspect | Electric Vehicles (EVs) | Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) |
| Environmental Impact | Produce zero emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Even considering electricity production, EVs emit 1/3rd of the carbon emissions compared to gasoline engines. | Also produce zero emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Significant potential to reduce CO2 emissions produced by American passenger vehicles annually. |
| Market Size | Global EV market reached USD 255.54 billion in 2023. Projected to hit around USD 2,108.80 billion by 2033. Asia Pacific accounts for 42.14% of revenue share in 2023. | FCV market size estimated at USD 7.16 billion in 2024. Expected to reach USD 29.33 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 32.59% (2024-2029). |
| Advantages | Lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles. Average running cost of EVs is USD 1.2 cents per km. | Lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles. Average running cost of EV is USD 4.8 cents per km. |
| Technological Advancements | Increasing in EV charging stations. At the end of 2022, there were 2.7 million public charging points worldwide, more than 900,000 of which it was installed in 2022, about a 55% increase on 2021 stock | Advancements in fuel cell technology and expanding hydrogen infrastructure. The global hydrogen fueling station market is expected to grow from USD 0.6 billion in 2022 to USD 3.9 billion by 2030, at an CAGR of 26.4% |
| Challenges | Even though there is growth in EV charging facilities it is still not enough currently for EVs. 45.3% reduction in purchase cost need for EVs to be cost effective. | Even though there is growth in Fuel stations it is still not enough for FCVs. Cost challenges, with a 72.3% reduction in purchase cost needed for FCVs to be cost-effective. |
Comparison chart of EVs and FCVs in terms of Technological Aspects
| Aspect | Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) | Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCEVs) |
| Charging Time | – Longer charging time, typically overnight at home. | – Fast refueling time (3 min) similar to conventional diesel cars. |
| Autonomy | – Limited real-world autonomy (up to 260 km). | – Similar autonomy to conventional diesel cars (up to 600 km). |
| Body weight | The body weight increases as the range increases. Which reduces the overall efficiency. | The body weight doesn’t increase as the range increases which increases the overall efficiency. |
| Cost | – Lower purchase cost compared to FCEVs. | – Highest purchase cost |
| Fuel Running Cost | Average running cost is USD 1.2 cents per km. | Average running cost of EV is USD 4.8 cents per km. |
| Infrastructure | – Widespread accessibility to the electrical grid for charging. | – Limited number of hydrogens refueling stations (e.g., 22 in France, 40 in Germany). |
| Production | Produced from Lithium | – Can be produced using various methods (e.g., SMR, POX, CG, electrolysis). |
| Environmental Impact | – Lithium-ion battery production has environmental and human costs. | – Produces only water vapor as warm air as bi-product product. |
| Safety | – Lithium-ion battery fires can be difficult to extinguish. | – Hydrogen is highly flammable and requires careful handling and prevention of leaks. |
| Energy Efficiency | – Lower energy efficiency compared to FCEVs. | – Higher energy efficiency due to the direct conversion of hydrogen to electricity. |
| Recycling | – Only 5% of lithium-ion batteries are currently recycled. | – No specific information provided. |
| CO2 Emissions | – Highly dependent on the electricity production mix (e.g., varies in Europe). | – Can be produced with low CO2 emissions using excess renewable electricity. |
| Future Development | – Research on sodium-based batteries as a cheaper and more abundant alternative. | – Advancements in electrolysis and renewable energy production for hydrogen. |
| Lifespan | – Lithium-ion batteries have a shorter life than fuel cells and need replacement. | – Fuel cells do not degrade at the same rate and can last the lifetime of the vehicle. |
| Overall Efficiency | The overall efficiency of BEV is 70%. | The overall efficiency of FCVs is 22%. |
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