The relative inefficiency is okay because it still produces hydrogen, which is better for transport applications than electricity in batteries. Plus, oxygen is a useful byproduct, which everyone seems to ignore.
As for the lack of hydrogen infrastructure, I think that has to do with it not getting as much support from the government. I couldn’t find a specific comparison, but the Wikipedia lists many more US programs supporting plug-in electric vehicles than ones supporting fuel cell vehicles. Apparently, Obama’s energy secretary, Steven Chu, was very anti-hydrogen and that’s just how it went.
AlternateRoute@lemmy.ca 2 months ago
Likely has more to do with the cost of 1-2million per station vs 250,000 to 500,000 for a typical EV fast charging station
CrimeDad@lemmy.crimedad.work 2 months ago
That’s not such a bargain considering that it takes so long to charge a BEV. More fast chargers are needed to match the capacity of a hydrogen dispenser. I think the uneven subsidies and hype over the years have just lead to more BEV customers.