Will hydrogen fuel cells replace lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles?

With the law putting an end to the combustion engine in Europe by 2035, lithium-ion battery electric vehicles are poised to conquer the automotive market. On the other hand, the hydrogen fuel cell engine (H2) is facing headwinds even though it offers a real range of 500km and can be recharged within 5 minutes.

According to the Financial Times, a large number of European car manufacturers no longer believe in hydrogen fuel cells. The high prices of the vehicles, the low density of their network of stations, the cost of hydrogen and its low energy efficiency represent major constraints to the development of this type of vehicle.

For its part, the firm AlixPartners, foresees a significant growth for electric vehicles in the United States, Europe and China. For example, the number of electric vehicles in Europe is expected to rise from 2% in 2018 to 40% in 2030.

In terms of production, Europe will account for 17% of this industry in 2028. China will account for 69% of global production in 2023 and 65% in 2028.

With the mainstreaming of electric vehicles, the demand for lithium-ion batteries is set to increase fivefold by 2025.