Zero emission vehicles – what are the options in 2024?

Did you know, zero emission vehicles are set to become mandatory in the UK by 2035, with the government requiring 100% of new cars and vans sold in the UK to be zero emission? The UK transport secretary announced in December 2023 that a £70 million scheme will be used to create ultra-rapid electric vehicle charge points, increasing provisions for electric cars and other vehicles. This has recently caused a spike in interest in zero emission vehicles.

Find out more about the options for 2024 below.

Greener vehicle options

There are 2 different types of zero emission vehicles: battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles.

Battery electric vehicles are currently more popular than hydrogen-based vehicles, but the upcoming legislation provides plenty of potential for hydrogen options to gain popularity.

The Toyota Mirai is the first mass produced hydrogen powered car and claims to have a range of 402 miles.

The Hyundai Nexo offers a range of 414 miles and has been developed to start in temperatures as low as -30°C, making it ideal for the colder climates.

Other car manufacturers have announced plans to introduce hydrogen powered cars in the future, including the iX5 Hydrogen from BMW and the Scenic Vision from Renault. This shows car manufacturers’ commitment to the future of zero emission vehicles.

What is the difference between fuel cell electric cars and battery electric cars?

Hydrogen fuel cells produce their own electricity, whereas standard electric cars are powered by batteries which store electricity as a result of being charged.

Within fuel cells, hydrogen is combined with oxygen from the ambient air. This then generates electricity to power the vehicle. Hydrogen is produced centrally and delivered in hydrogen refuelling stations, similar to petrol and diesel.

How do I refuel zero emission vehicles?

There are more than 1000 hydrogen refuelling stations dotted around the globe, with hundreds added every year, supporting drivers with fuel cell electric vehicles. The process of refuelling at one of these hydrogen stations is not too different from that of a conventional petrol or diesel station. The fuel is pumped into the vehicle’s tank, which then powers the fuel cell, generating the electricity needed to drive the vehicle.

Benefits of zero emission vehicles

Hydrogen powered cars, much like electric cars, are quiet, and do not emit carbon dioxide or other harmful substances out of their exhausts. A key benefit they have over electric cars is refuelling time. Hydrogen powered cars can be refuelled in less than 5 minutes, whereas electric cars can take hours to be fully charged.

IE-DRIVE

Here at Intelligent Energy, we are proud to present the IE-DRIVE, our newest high-power solution for zero emission vehicles. Not only does this fuel cell module provide clean power for automotive use, it also has rail and marine applications. The range includes the IE-DRIVE 100 which is designed for cars, and the IE-DRIVE HD100 which is better suited for buses and trucks.

To find out more about how Intelligent Energy can help you and how our products can be implemented into zero emission vehicles, please get in touch with us today. Complete our contact form or send us an email sales@intelligent-energy.com.