Hydrogen and electrification

Electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are expected to become more important in the longer term to help power growing numbers of cars and trucks. They offer the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions from road transport – since they emit zero CO₂ in use – but actual CO₂ emissions depend on how the energy is produced.

The commercialisation of both technologies relies on new vehicles and refuelling infrastructure and consumer acceptance.

Shell and hydrogen

Hydrogen can be used in modified internal combustion engines, but it is most efficient in fuel cell vehicles. These vehicles convert the energy found in hydrogen into electricity to run their engines, emitting only heat and water from their exhausts.

The total CO₂ emissions of hydrogen, however, depend on how it is produced. Currently most hydrogen is made from non-renewable sources such as natural gas or by gasifying coal. In the future CO2 emissions from hydrogen could be lowered by using biomass or renewable electricity to electrolyse water and break it down.

In partnership with car makers Shell has opened demonstration hydrogen filling stations in the USA, Europe and Asia. Here we are learning more about consumer behaviour, safety, cost, and the dispensing and storage of hydrogen. The number of filling stations will change as new ones are developed and others come to the end of their demonstration phase.

We also participate in partnerships that explore the development of a hydrogen market and help reduce costs.

For hydrogen to take on a major role in the transport industry carmakers, fuel suppliers and governments will need to work together to invest in new vehicles and distribution points, creating a hydrogen market and infrastructure which will bring down costs.

Our partnerships include:

• National Hydrogen Association;
• Japan Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Demonstration project;
• European Union Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative; and
• German H2 Mobility initiative.

Shell and electrification

Shell continues to review research and development efforts in electric mobility. These include electric vehicle and infrastructure trials that will provide more information about the viability of recharging options in different markets.

We are directly involved in two initiatives to conduct such trials. In December 2008, Showa Shell announced that it would work with the municipal government to provide battery-charging points at a Shell service station in Tokyo. In the UK Shell is a member of the Energy Technologies Institute, which is exploring opportunities for conducting a large-scale demonstration project for the infrastructure to support electric vehicles.