Driving a Fuel Cell Vehicle

What makes an FCEV so revolutionary is its ability to generate the electricity from hydrogen onboard the vehicle. This power is then used to feed the electric motor propelling the vehicle, making it feel exactly like a normal pure battery-electric vehicle to drive – but with a longer range and faster refuelling. Behind the wheel, the driving experience has all the characteristic smoothness, quietness, zero-emissions and instantaneous torque of Opel’s battery-electric powertrains.

Advantages & Key Facts

How an FCEV gives you the best of both new and conventional drivetrains, without compromise:

All the advantages of electric:

  • Zero local emissions
    The only by-product is pure water vapour

  • Zero Noise Pollution
    Ideal for urban and residential areas

  • Zero Vibration
    Smooth journeys, less fatigue

  • Instantaneous Torque
    Quicker response and better acceleration

  • Extensive Tax Incentives
    Attractive subsidies and discounts

… plus the benefits of conventional fuels:

  • Long Range
    400 km

  • Quick Refuelling
    Empty to full in 3 minutes

  • Uncompromised Power
    The same kW and load rating

  • Refuelling Network
    Expanding hydrogen infrastructure

How Does Hydrogen Refuelling Work?

Hydrogen Filling Station Network

Europe is investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure, particularly Germany which has put into action its National Hydrogen Strategy plan. In partnership with energy developers and innovative industry leaders such as Opel, network expansion is a priority. To date, there are already about 100 hydrogen stations in Germany and many more to come, expanding the network across Europe. 

Intelligent Safety Systems

Hydrogen refuelling systems don’t waste a drop. When you connect your vehicle to the dispenser, a mechanical device guarantees an optimal coupling. After a check using an infrared interface, the refueling process according to an international standard starts. During refuelling, the drive is disabled until the process is completely done.  No more spills, drips or leaving the nozzle in the vehicle. Pure, easy and clean. 

Are Hydrogen Cars the Future?

Autobahn Proof

Hydrogen is widely known to be very flammable as a gas. However, an FCEV does not involve any combustion. It uses a catalytic process at 80 °C in which the two reacting gases, hydrogen and oxygen, are spatially separated. In an FCEV, hydrogen is stored as a gas in extremely robust tanks able to withstand massive impacts, as certified by the German TÜV. Hydrogen is a new technology on the roads but has been industrially used for decades, and the safety systems are well-developed and tested, including sensors that detect the unlikely possible escape of hydrogen and will automatically switch off the vehicle and close all safety valves in such cases.
Are Fuel Cell vehicles also subsidised?
FCEVs are zero local-emission, so they get the same unrestricted access to urban low-emission zones. There are specific funding programs in place in various countries to subsidize FCEVs.
What is the difference between a Fuel Cell and battery-electric car?
Mostly simply, an FCEV generates its own electricity as it goes along by converting hydrogen into electricity, whereas a battery-electric car stores electricity in a battery while it’s plugged in and then uses it to drive the vehicle when in use.

More on Hydrogen Mobility in Everyday Life

 

What does hydrogen cost at the filling station?

Hydrogen is charged by the kilogram. The price for a kg of hydrogen at public filling stations in Germany is at € 12.85 at time of writing.
 
How many hydrogen filling stations are there in Germany?
To date, there are already about 100 hydrogen stations in Germany and many more to come, expanding the network across Europe.
 

How safe is a hydrogen car?

Hydrogen is widely known to be very flammable as a gas. However, an FCEV does not involve any combustion. It uses a catalytic process at 80 °C in which the two reacting gases, hydrogen and oxygen, are spatially separated. In FCEVs, hydrogen is stored as a gas in extremely robust tanks able to withstand massive impacts, as certified by the German TÜV. Hydrogen is a new technology on the roads but has been industrially used for decades, and the safety systems are well developed and tested, including sensors that detect the unlikely possible escape of hydrogen and will automatically switch off the vehicle and close all safety valves in such cases.
 

How do I refuel?

Anyone who has ever refilled a petrol or diesel vehicle will be familiar with the basics, with just slight differences as hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks. Drive into the fuel station, open your tank flap, insert the dispenser nozzle so the coupling engages, press the button, and wait until the tank automatically fills – within just three minutes. Then simply disconnect, close the tank flap, and enjoy 400 km of emission-free driving.

 

Does cold weather affect the range of a Fuel Cell?
Just like all electric vehicles, driving style and power consumption onboard the vehicle affects range. However, since the fuel cell system in an FCEV is running at about 80 °C, heat from the cooling system can be used to warm up the cabin in winter times, similar to vehicles with internal combustion engines. Thus, under cold weather conditions, range is less affected compared to  pure battery-electric vehicles.