As the global mobility sector shifts toward cleaner alternatives, hydrogen has emerged as a critical player in the decarbonisation puzzle. With its ability to serve as both a fuel and an energy carrier, hydrogen presents an alternative to fossil fuels that’s abundant, versatile, and capable of supporting transport applications ranging from personal vehicles to heavy-duty commercial fleets, Dr Rajalakshmi, Professor of Practice, IIT – Dharward, has said.
Speaking on the ‘Future Technologies’ at the SAE India Automotive Leadership Summit, organised alongside Automotive Testing Expo 2025, Dr Rajalakshmi underscored the transformative potential of hydrogen in his multiple roles shaping research, policy, and innovation. “Hydrogen can be a clean, scalable energy solution, but we need to make smart technology choices and accelerate infrastructure development to make it mainstream,” she said.
Role In Decarbonisation
Currently derived from multiple sources—natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, and renewables—hydrogen can be classified into several 'colours' depending on the production process and associated carbon emissions. While grey hydrogen, produced from natural gas, is widely used, green hydrogen—produced via electrolysis using renewable power—is being hailed as the cleanest option. Despite being touted as zero-emission, even green hydrogen currently emits a minimal amount of CO₂ (0.0–0.6 kg per kg of hydrogen), highlighting the need for continued innovation in clean production technologies, she mentioned.
Hydrogen’s versatility extends beyond fuel cells; it can also serve as a storage medium for intermittent renewable energy. As a carrier, it enables electricity to be stored and used later, a vital feature in a renewable-heavy energy mix, she pointed out.
Transport: The Sector That Needs Hydrogen Most
According to Dr Rajalakshmi, the transport sector remains a significant contributor to global emissions. Hydrogen-powered fuel cells offer an attractive pathway to mitigate this, particularly in commercial vehicles, where long range and rapid refuelling are critical. Hydrogen fuel cells provide performance on par with internal combustion engines, and unlike battery electric vehicles (BEVs), they offer faster refuelling times and longer range, making them suitable for everything from two-wheelers to Class-8 trucks, she noted.
Hydrogen fuel cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water and heat as byproducts. Unlike batteries, where energy is stored internally, hydrogen fuel cells store energy externally, avoiding issues like self-discharge during idle periods.
EVs vs Hydrogen: A Comparative Lens
Electric vehicles, according to Dr Rajalakshmi, while highly efficient and near-silent, face limitations in range, charging time, and battery mass. Hydrogen addresses these concerns but brings its own challenges—chiefly around production costs, storage safety, and limited refuelling infrastructure. However, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) offer a promising middle ground, combining the efficiency of EVs with the extended range and quick refuelling advantages of traditional vehicles, she said.
Nevertheless, infrastructure remains a bottleneck, she noted adding that unlike EVs, which can be charged at home, hydrogen requires high-pressure refuelling stations. With hydrogen prices soaring—from $15/kg to $30/kg in California over the past year—and infrastructure still scarce, scaling adoption remains a challenge, she observed.
Applications, Innovations
Fuel cells aren’t just for vehicles. They’re increasingly being explored for stationary power, aviation, shipping, and auxiliary power units. Hydrogen buses are already operational in Japan, and a few OEMs including Toyota and Hyundai have launched FCEVs like the Mirai and Nexo respectively. Simulation tools like National Renewable Energy Laboratory – NREL’s Future Automotive Systems Technology Simulator (FASTSim) enable developers to model different configurations—from hybrid FCEVs to multi-source powertrains integrating batteries and supercapacitors.
Today’s hydrogen vehicles combine a stack, power control unit, DCDC converter, and hydrogen storage tanks—some storing up to 700 bars—delivering up to 500 km of range. Supercapacitors are being explored for high-current, short-duration bursts, reducing battery size and cost. Often referred to as ultracapacitors these supercapacitors, are advanced energy storage systems that retain energy through a combination of electrostatic and electrochemical processes. Known for their ability to charge and discharge rapidly, they are ideal for use in scenarios that demand swift energy delivery—such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and portable electronic devices.
Policy, Cost, And The Road Ahead
Despite its potential, hydrogen’s commercialisation hinges on government support, public-private partnerships, and cost reduction through scale, she observed. Globally, commercial vehicles are leading adoption, with China at the forefront, followed by Korea and Japan. However, the lack of large-scale deployment means demand remains low, fuelling cost volatility and slowing infrastructure investments.
Ultimately, hydrogen is not a silver bullet—but in synergy with battery electric and hybrid technologies, it forms an essential part of a diversified clean mobility future. Continued R&D, simulation-driven development, and proactive policy frameworks will be key to accelerating hydrogen’s journey from lab to road, concluded Rajalakshmi.
NB: Featured image is representational; courtesy: Toyota.
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