A Quick History of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars of Yesterday and Today
If you do a search online for “fuel cell cars” or “hydrogen-powered cars,” you will be surprised to learn that strictly speaking, fuel cell cars are not a brand new idea. They have been around for longer than you might expect and have been manufactured for about 20 years. Incidentally, fuel cells that generate electrical current have been around for nearly 200 years. It’s not exactly a new technology.
Car manufacturers started developing hydrogen-powered cars a long time ago – as near as we can determine, nearly 60 years ago. They then began to manufacture hydrogen-powered cars in about year 2000.
So, what were those early hydrogen cars? Here’s a historical overview.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Cars of the Past
Honda FCX (2002- 2007) - Honda made this little fuel cell-powered hatchback. Like many of the early hydrogen-powered cars, it was available only as a lease.
Ford Focus Fuel Cell (2003-2006) - At about the same time, Ford made a hydrogen-powered version of its popular Focus. It was apparently only available in California.
Nissan X-Trail (2003-2012) - This small SUV was also leased in California.
Mercedes-Benz F-Cell (2005-2007) – A small van powered by a fuel cell. We have not been able to determine where it was available.
Chevrolet Equinox FC (2007-2009) - A hydrogen-powered SUV that was leased in California.
Hyundai Tucson FCEV (2014-2018) - A small hydrogen-powered SUV that was leased in California and certain parts of Canada.
And Now Meet the Fuel-Cell Cars Available Right Now
Toyota Mirai – It looks like a Prius and is available for sale and lease in California and parts of Canada,
Honda Clarity - An Accord-like sedan that is presently sold and leased only in southern California.
Hyundai Nexo - A small SUV currently available to lease in California.
Can You Buy Old Fuel Cells from These Cars and Recycle Them?
In most cases, you can’t, because when leased models were returned to the dealer, they were then returned to the manufacturer for dismantling and recycling. But it seems likely that as the number of hydrogen-powered cars increases in the future, it will become possible to obtain and recycle the platinum catalysts that they contain.
Plus, Another Fuel Cell Trend Is Happening
Around the world, a growing number of hobbyists are converting their vehicles to run on hydrogen. That’s a fun trend to watch.
Plus, did you know that it is possible to buy platinum powder that can be used as a catalyst in some fuel cells? It is. It’s all part of a growing move toward fuel cells that we should all be watching.
If you have platinum scrap or other fuel cell components that you think could contain platinum, call our precious metal consultants at 800-426-2344 and talk to us. We are here to help you prepare to cash in on the coming boom in fuel cell automotive power.