Hydrogen fuel cells are not charged in the way that electric vehicle batteries are charged. Instead, hydrogen fuel cells are refueled with hydrogen gas. This process is similar to filling a car with gasoline or diesel.
Refueling Process
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are refueled by pumping hydrogen gas into their tanks. The process is:
- Pumping: Hydrogen gas is pumped into the vehicle's fuel tank at a fueling station.
- Speed: The refueling process is quick, typically taking around 3-5 minutes to fill a tank.
- Convenience: This refueling method is similar to traditional gasoline and diesel refueling, making it easy and familiar for users.
- Safety: The process is designed to be safe and convenient, just like conventional fuel fill-ups.
Comparison with Electric Vehicles
| Feature | Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles | Electric Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| "Charging" | Refueled with hydrogen gas | Charged with electricity through a plug |
| Refueling/Charging Time | 3-5 minutes | Typically longer, ranging from 30 minutes to several hours |
| Mechanism | Pumping hydrogen gas into a tank | Plugging into an external power source |
Key Takeaway
As highlighted in the provided reference, "No plugging, just pumping," hydrogen fuel cell vehicles do not require charging in the traditional sense, where electrical power is used. They are refueled with hydrogen gas, which provides the fuel for the fuel cell to generate electricity.
