Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine: A Neglected Technology for Decarbonizing Motor Vehicles

Abstract

As one of the most promising green energy sources in the 21st century, hydrogen energy, combined with the automotive industry, can accelerate the realization of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. In January ~ April 2024, Center for Automotive Strategy and Policy Research of CATARC carried out industry research. More than 10 vehicle and internal combustion engine companies such as China FAW, DongFeng, Shaanxi Automobile, GAC, Cummins, Weichai Power, etc., are actively developing vehicle products that provide driving power for direct combustion of hydrogen (referred to as hydrogen fuel vehicles). The preliminary consensus is that hydrogen internal combustion engine technology and natural gas engines have similar structures and low transformation costs, and have obvious advantages in terms of cost economy, reliability, and adaptability, and have become a new choice for carbon reduction technologies for motor vehicles. However, as an emerging product, the product attributes of hydrogen fuel vehicles have not yet been clarified, the relevant policies and regulations are not prepared, and the lack of accurate development expectations have led to conservative investment by supporting enterprises and sluggish industrialization process. It is recommended to build a system of policies and regulations, encourage demonstration applications, and promote key technological innovation.