Summary
- Hydrogen transportation and eVTOLs are facing challenges due to lack of economic, regulatory, and technical feasibility
- Battery electrification is dominating ground transportation while maritime shipping is favoring batteries, hybrids, and biofuel vessels
- Green hydrogen costs are expected to decrease by 2050, but challenges remain in production, transportation, and leakage
- Studies show hydrogen leaks are potent greenhouse gases with reliability issues in refueling stations and fuel cells
- Many firms in the hydrogen transportation and eVTOL industries are at risk of disappearing due to financial challenges; only a few firms have managed to be certified for operations.
Article
Over the past several years, there have been failures in the use of hydrogen in transportation and the development of air taxis. These failures were based on unrealistic expectations and lack of proper due diligence. The use of hydrogen in transportation has been overshadowed by battery electrification, as battery technology has advanced rapidly. Additionally, the cost of green hydrogen has been found to be much higher than previously estimated, making it economically unfeasible for widespread use.
The idea of using hydrogen in aviation faces numerous technical challenges, such as the need for liquid hydrogen storage and potential safety hazards. The leakage of hydrogen, which has a significant global warming potential, further complicates its use in transportation. Studies have shown that hydrogen leaks at various points in the supply chain, leading to high leakage rates when used as a transportation fuel.
Hydrogen refueling stations and fuel cells have also been found to have reliability issues, with many stations experiencing frequent downtime and fuel cells requiring costly maintenance. The high costs and limited operational lifespans of fuel cells contribute to the overall inefficiency of hydrogen transportation solutions. As a result, many hydrogen transportation firms are at risk of financial failure, with several already having gone under.
Similarly, the concept of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility has faced challenges in terms of market viability and technical feasibility. The proposed eVTOL solutions have been criticized for their unrealistic service capabilities, high capital costs, and limited operational reliability. Despite aggressive timelines, many eVTOL initiatives have struggled to meet certification requirements and face obstacles in scaling up their operations.
Overall, both hydrogen transportation and eVTOL initiatives have been characterized by unrealistic expectations, technical challenges, and financial risks. As more firms in these sectors struggle to overcome these obstacles, it becomes evident that more sustainable and scalable solutions are needed to address transportation and mobility challenges. Moving forward, a focus on innovative and economically viable technologies will be essential in accelerating the transition towards a cleaner and more efficient transportation system.
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