When buying a car today, we face many challenges and uncertainties such as the price, whether electric engines will be more beneficial or not, or the uncertainty regarding legislative changes.
Furthermore, the evolution of car engines is constantly changing. Until a few years ago, the only dilemma was choosing between a diesel or gasoline engine. Now, the options have expanded, and in addition to the diesel and gasoline dilemma, there is also the question of electric or hybrid engines.
But surprisingly, as of today, the answer no longer lies in diesel, gasoline, electric, or hybrid vehicles, as there is significant evolution happening in hydrogen-powered combustion engines.
The end of electric cars?
Although power is not the most important criterion to consider hydrogen engines as the future, it’s noteworthy that they can reach the levels they do. AVL’s hydrogen engine from Toyota is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which has nothing to envy from any sport compact, with 405 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, delivered at 6,500 revolutions and between 3,000 and 4,000 revolutions respectively. It’s remarkable that this engine can achieve 203 horsepower per liter, surpassing the Bugatti Chiron with 185 horsepower per liter.
The project that Toyota is developing includes a water injection system, which, although known, is not common in this type of engines. The system introduces water into the intake air, which improves pressure and cools the combustion chamber by evaporating.”
It is important to differentiate this hydrogen combustion engine from a fuel cell car. The first one operates like a traditional engine, but with hydrogen instead of gasoline, while the second converts hydrogen into electrical energy to power an electric motor.
A project for competition
Despite the generated expectations, this hydrogen engine is still a project aimed at the realm of competition, where hydrogen engines are beginning to gain presence, especially with companies like Toyota leading the way.
Despite investments in electric technology, manufacturers are also exploring options such as hydrogen engines and synthetic fuels. The latter could allow older cars to continue operating as they are compatible with engines originally designed for gasoline or diesel.
Considering these multiple options, it seems that the electric car will not be the only choice in the future. This provides a more logical scenario that allows households to adopt the mechanics that best suit their needs in terms of price and ease of use.
However, as we have emphasized, the evolution of the automotive industry is confusing, as new systems are being developed that were not anticipated and that may meet the demands of creating vehicles that are more considerate of emissions and the environment. Therefore, we should pay attention to developments both in technology and legislation, as it can significantly influence the decision to acquire a new vehicle.
SOURCE: VIBES ok
Read the most up to date Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry news at FuelCellsWorks
