In the search for greener alternatives to fossil fuel-powered vehicles, two technologies have emerged as leaders: electric vs hydrogen vehicles. Both reduce emissions and cut reliance on non-renewable resources, but they achieve these goals in different ways.
Drivers continue to choose EVs more frequently in recent years. But how do these nearly silent, emission-free vehicles work? At the center of every electric car is its battery pack. Unlike the small battery that starts a gas engine, the EV battery powers the entire vehicle. Most use lithium-ion batteries, similar to those in laptops and smartphones but on a much larger scale. These batteries store energy and release it to run one or more electric motors.
How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles Work
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) provide another alternative to EVs and traditional ICE vehicles. These vehicles use hydrogen gas to power an electric motor.
The fuel cell stack lies at the heart of an FCV. It converts hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical process. High-pressure tanks store the hydrogen, which flows into the stack. There, hydrogen combines with oxygen in a process called electrolysis. This reaction produces electricity to power the motor. The only byproduct is water vapor, which exits through the exhaust.
Refueling Time and Range: Electric vs Hydrogen Vehicles
One big advantage of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is their fast refueling time. While EV charging can take hours, hydrogen refueling takes just minutes—similar to gas-powered vehicles. Hydrogen also stores a lot of energy, so one tank can cover long distances. That feature helps reduce the range anxiety drivers often associate with EVs.
Electric vehicles usually cost less to maintain because they have fewer moving parts. They don’t need oil changes, and regenerative braking reduces brake wear. However, battery replacement can become expensive once the warranty expires.
Technician Tips for Electric and Hydrogen Vehicles
Fuel cell vehicles require maintenance more like conventional vehicles. For example, Toyota builds the Mirai on the same platform as the Lexus LS. So repairs and service feel familiar to techs. Technicians can expect routine jobs such as fluid changes, brake services, tire replacement, and filter replacements.
While hydrogen cars remain less common than EVs, they are gaining traction. More of these vehicles are showing up on the road, and that trend will likely continue. Technicians should prepare to work on both electric vs hydrogen vehicles in the coming years.
This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.
