Answer :
To evaluate hydrogen fuel cells versus rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for powering electric cars, let's look at a few key factors based on the data in Table 1:
1. Refueling/Recharging Time:
- Hydrogen fuel cells can be refueled in about 5 minutes.
- Lithium-ion batteries take around 30 minutes to recharge.
- Conclusion: Hydrogen fuel cells offer a much quicker refueling time, which is beneficial for users who need a fast turnaround.
2. Distance Before Refueling/Recharging:
- Hydrogen cars can travel up to 415 miles before needing a refuel.
- Electric cars with lithium-ion batteries can travel up to 240 miles on a single charge.
- Conclusion: Hydrogen cars have a longer range, making them more suitable for longer journeys without needing frequent stops.
3. Distance Travelled Per Unit of Energy:
- Hydrogen fuel cells provide 22 km per unit of energy.
- Lithium-ion batteries offer 66 km per unit of energy.
- Conclusion: Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient in terms of distance traveled per unit of energy.
4. Cost of Refueling/Recharging:
- Refueling with hydrogen costs £50.
- Recharging a lithium-ion battery costs £3.
- Conclusion: The cost of recharging lithium-ion batteries is significantly lower, making it a more economical choice for running costs.
5. Minimum Cost of the Car:
- A hydrogen fuel cell car costs at least £60,000.
- A lithium-ion battery-powered car is priced from £18,000.
- Conclusion: Lithium-ion battery cars are more affordable upfront.
Overall Evaluation:
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Offer advantages in terms of quick refueling times and longer driving ranges. However, they are more costly, both in terms of the refueling process and the initial cost of the vehicle.
- Lithium-ion Batteries: Provide cost-effective energy and vehicle options, with higher efficiency per unit of energy, but they require longer charging times and have a shorter range between charges.
Choosing between the two depends on prioritizing either cost efficiency and energy use (favoring lithium-ion batteries) or convenience of range and refueling speed (favoring hydrogen fuel cells).
1. Refueling/Recharging Time:
- Hydrogen fuel cells can be refueled in about 5 minutes.
- Lithium-ion batteries take around 30 minutes to recharge.
- Conclusion: Hydrogen fuel cells offer a much quicker refueling time, which is beneficial for users who need a fast turnaround.
2. Distance Before Refueling/Recharging:
- Hydrogen cars can travel up to 415 miles before needing a refuel.
- Electric cars with lithium-ion batteries can travel up to 240 miles on a single charge.
- Conclusion: Hydrogen cars have a longer range, making them more suitable for longer journeys without needing frequent stops.
3. Distance Travelled Per Unit of Energy:
- Hydrogen fuel cells provide 22 km per unit of energy.
- Lithium-ion batteries offer 66 km per unit of energy.
- Conclusion: Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient in terms of distance traveled per unit of energy.
4. Cost of Refueling/Recharging:
- Refueling with hydrogen costs £50.
- Recharging a lithium-ion battery costs £3.
- Conclusion: The cost of recharging lithium-ion batteries is significantly lower, making it a more economical choice for running costs.
5. Minimum Cost of the Car:
- A hydrogen fuel cell car costs at least £60,000.
- A lithium-ion battery-powered car is priced from £18,000.
- Conclusion: Lithium-ion battery cars are more affordable upfront.
Overall Evaluation:
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Offer advantages in terms of quick refueling times and longer driving ranges. However, they are more costly, both in terms of the refueling process and the initial cost of the vehicle.
- Lithium-ion Batteries: Provide cost-effective energy and vehicle options, with higher efficiency per unit of energy, but they require longer charging times and have a shorter range between charges.
Choosing between the two depends on prioritizing either cost efficiency and energy use (favoring lithium-ion batteries) or convenience of range and refueling speed (favoring hydrogen fuel cells).
