The Koninklijke Nederlandsche Automobiel Club has presented the report ‘On the road with hydrogen Stories, facts and figures’ to the House of Representatives. It provides good insight into the status quo, the opportunities and the future of hydrogen cars. In this article you can read more information about hydrogen cars and where you can read the edition Pioneering with hydrogen.
The Koninklijke Nederlandsche Automobiel Club (KNAC) has presented the report ‘On the road with hydrogen Stories, facts and figures’ to the standing parliamentary committee of Infrastructure and Water Management. In this report, parties and experience experts have their say, who give their thoughts free rein about driving a hydrogen car. This resulted in a document that provides a good insight into the status quo, the opportunities and the future of hydrogen cars in our country. Tjeerd de Groot, the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on I&W, has received the report. Later this week, the House Committee will discuss sustainable transport with State Secretary Heijnen of I&W.
Pioneers
The report discusses pioneers who drive or have driven a hydrogen-electric car, such as an importer, the Gasunie, operators of hydrogen filling stations, the TU Delft racing team and a roadside assistance service. Combining these interviews has resulted in a clear and pleasantly readable booklet in which the pros and cons of driving on water (dust) are reviewed. Both driving comfort and the emission of only water are important reasons for the interviewees to purchase a hydrogen car. Most take the inconveniences of pioneering for granted.
No overload power grid
An important advantage of the hydrogen-electric car compared to the battery-electric car is that the hydrogen car does not need to be charged and therefore counteracts the expected overload of the electricity grid, especially at peak times. In addition, the hydrogen car is very suitable for people who drive a lot and who spend a lot of time on the road because of the large range and fast refueling. Interviewees are convinced that the hydrogen car will not become a car for the general public. It is expected that the hydrogen car will reach a share of 10 to 15% in the car market. “In addition to being a pleasant and environmentally friendly means of transport, the hydrogen car is also an ambassador in the transition to a hydrogen economy. In use, it is seen as the green alternative to the diesel car,” says Peter Staal.
The cars are here, now the gas stations
A conclusion of the report is that the hydrogen-powered cars are technically very good, but that the number of filling stations is too limited. And that while ‘tank security’ is an important argument for purchasing a hydrogen car. KNAC director Peter Staal: “The parties must work together to ensure that the market can develop from the phase of pioneers to that of early adopters. That means, to start with, that tank security is offered.”
Here you will find the browsable PDF version of the publication ‘Pioneers with hydrogen’.
Photo (left to right): Peter Staal (director KNAC) and Tjeerd de Groot (chairman of the standing parliamentary committee of Infrastructure and Water Management)
