A hydrogen future for planes, trains and factories – MENAFN.COM

A hydrogen future for planes, trains and factories – MENAFN.COM

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) PARIS “” Hydrogen could potentially power trains, planes, trucks and factories in the future, helping the world rid itself of harmful emissions. Here is a look at where the industry stands in various sectors: Hydrogen fuel cell electric cars are already on the road. Toyota launched the Mirai sedan, the world's first mass-market hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, in late 2014 while Hyundai unveiled its Nexo SUV in 2018. The starting retail prices are high for the average consumer, however, at around $50, 000 in the United States and higher in Europe. Other hurdles are a lack of recharging stations and the need for large reservoirs that eat up seating space. Several automakers and equipment manufacturers have nonetheless unveiled substantial investment plans to improve the vehicles and develop race cars as well. A likely place to start is with freight transport, where hydrogen could replace diesel fuel. Vehicles can be refilled quickly, they have substantial autonomy, weight is not a problem and they are allowed in urban centres that might otherwise be off-limits to heavy trucks. Hyundai has already rolled out prototypes, and GM, Traton (Volkswagen) and Toyota are accelerating the development of their own models. US start-up