The power of hot air! Could hydrogen solve our eco motoring troubles?

In recent years, the question of hydrogen power has never been far from the lips of engine manufacturers.

And it has gained momentum in the wake of the government’s professed goal – which now looks increasingly challenging – to ban the sale of all new pure petrol and diesel cars from 2030.

While battery-charged electric cars remain the car’s biggest growth market, some experts believe that hydrogen gas is the real long-term solution for eco-driving.

This despite the huge shadow looming since the May 6, 1937 disaster of the Hindenburg airship that used lighter-than-air gas to take off, but which exploded in a ball of fire on landing at Lakehurst, New Jersey airfield , in the U.S

Still, proponents of hydrogen insist it is no more dangerous than gasoline.

How it works

Because fast refueling only takes seconds, there are two ways to use tanks full of hydrogen to power vehicles.

The first is to burn the hydrogen gas in a converted internal combustion engine – and I drove a hydrogen-powered prototype BMW 7-series limousine around Berlin that did just that.

The other, in which Korean company Hyundai has been a practical pioneer, is the use of fuel cell technology where the gas is used in a chemical reaction to generate electricity, which in turn powers a motor.

Fuel cells simply act as a mini power plant on board. Hydrogen stored in a high-pressure fuel tank is used in a chemical reaction called reverse electrolysis, which takes place on a micro-thin membrane inside the compact fuel cell.

The membrane acts as a catalyst for a reaction between the hydrogen (H) fuel and oxygen (O) that is drawn in from the air. This generates electricity, which drives the electric motors and charges the battery.

The only other by-product of the chemical reaction – as you may remember from school chemistry lessons – is H2O, otherwise known as water, which drips from the exhaust and is so pure you can drink it.

Moving forward

Earlier this month, Germany’s BMW and Japan’s Toyota both announced major steps toward hydrogen.

Toyota’s global president Akio Toyoda, great-grandson of the company’s founder, even questioned this week whether electric cars alone could fill the gap left by the gasoline and diesel ban.

Toyota already has the pure electric bZ4X, but, more known for its hybrids, is not yet planning a full transition to pure electric, but is exploring other options, including hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Toyoda said, “Because the correct answer is still unclear, we should not limit ourselves to just one option.”

A “silent majority” within the auto industry was skeptical about over-reliance on batteries, he said.

Toyota is already producing the hydrogen-powered Mirai passenger car.

This month the company announced that it will develop a hydrogen fuel cell version of its Hilux pick-up in the UK.

Small-scale production of the model takes place at Toyota’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, where the Corolla is built in both hatchback and estate form.

Toyota also unveiled the Corolla Cross H2 SUV prototype, designed to burn hydrogen as fuel in a modified internal combustion engine yet produce zero emissions.

It is powered by a 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine that has been ‘re-engineered’ with high-pressure direct injection hydrogen technology. Akio Toyoda even test drove a motorsport version.

The company noted, “Toyota strongly believes that it is too early to focus on a single zero-emissions solution and is therefore simultaneously developing hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion technology alongside battery electric technology.”

BMW on board

BMW has just started production of its iX5 Hydrogen model – their first ever sports car with this technology.

Frank Weber, BMW development director, said: “Hydrogen is a versatile energy source that plays a key role in the pursuit of climate neutrality.”

He noted: ‘Fuel cells also do not need critical raw materials such as cobalt, lithium or nickel.’

BMW is also hedging its bets on bolstering its “geopolitical resilience” if there are shortages or massive price hikes for key EV components.

Other hydrogen fuel cell projects include Honda’s Clarity, a prototype Land Rover Defender, and work by Stellantis for the Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroen brands. British start-up Riversimple is using hydrogen power and Mercedes Benz is researching the fuel.

However, not everyone is completely convinced. A new report released last week by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee says, “Hydrogen is not a panacea for achieving Net Zero emissions reductions by 2050.”

But it could grow into “a great niche fuel.” Even the aviation industry is considering using hydrogen fuel cell technology to power future aircraft.

So maybe even Santa can give the reindeer a rest one day.

Merry Christmas.

A Bentley that fits under your Christmas tree

It’s Christmas, but you’ve just missed out on that dream gift you promised yourself: the £1.8 million limited edition Bentley Bacalar luxury supercar.

And given the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy prices, even the £220,000 six-litre, 650bhp Bentley Continental GT Speed ​​- rests to 60mph in 3.5 seconds to a top speed of 208mph – maybe a little indulgent.

But all is not lost. For just a fraction of those prices, you can still own a brand new Bentley and give it pride of place – but on your mantelpiece instead of in your garage.

For £100 each, the Crewe-based British luxury car manufacturer has produced 1:43 scale models of both the Bentley Continental GT Speed ​​and Bacalar, featuring refined details and striking colours.

They are available from the Bentley Motors store (shop.bentleymotors.com) and the company notes: ‘Priced at £100, they represent a significant saving over the real car.’

If you opt for the pair, there’s free shipping on UK orders over £200.

More details at: bentleymotors.com.