Hydrogen Cars: A Rare Path to Eco-Friendly Driving
Among the many car types, hydrogen-powered vehicles stand out as among the rarest. Yet their operating principle aligns closely with environmental goals: the tailpipe emits only pure water, with no impurities.
Today, the market for hydrogen models is tight. The Toyota Mirai remains the only model widely available for purchase, priced in the range of 7.1 million yen (roughly 3.2 million rubles).
In Russia, a hydrogen-powered Aurus Senate has been developed under the direction of Kirill Mileshkin, a seasoned automotive journalist with Za Rulem, Russia’s longest-running and most authoritative car publication. This custom variant showcases several notable features.
1) No Internal Combustion Engine
The hydrogen Aurus Senate operates as an electric vehicle at its core. It runs on electric motors, with no traditional combustion engine. Instead, an electrochemical generator creates electricity and charges a compact battery ranging from 20 to 36 kWh. The electric motors draw energy from this battery, enabling the car to shed a heavy pack of large, costly batteries. As a result, the sedan remains lighter by about 100 to 150 kilograms compared with battery-heavy rivals.
2) Acceleration Performance
Thanks to the electric drivetrain and reduced weight, the hydrogen Senate delivers brisk acceleration. The vehicle can reach 100 km/h in roughly four seconds, notably faster than the conventional variant of the same sedan, which typically takes around six seconds. Inside, the cabin remains quiet, enhancing the sense of refined propulsion.
3) Safety Considerations
The safety case for hydrogen cylinders stands strong. The high-pressure gas, stored at approximately 700 atmospheres, is protected by a robust construction that resists crushing. This resilience relies on composite materials and a durable metal inner insert, ensuring density is preserved even under stress.
Challenges for Aurus and Hydrogen Cars
An evident drawback of hydrogen vehicles lies in fueling infrastructure. Public hydrogen stations are scarce, which limits practical use. During its development, NAMI built an on-site hydrogen fueling facility to support the Aurus Senate program. This example highlights the broader hurdle for hydrogen mobility in many regions, where fueling networks lag behind technology.
Further details about the Aurus Senate and its hydrogen configuration can be found in the August issue of the magazine Behind the Wheel, in the article Move to H by Kirill Mileshkin. This feature provides a closer look at engineering choices and performance considerations associated with hydrogen-powered luxury sedans. The latest magazine issues are typically available on major marketplaces.
The discussion above draws on Kirill Mileshkin’s reporting for Behind the Wheel No. 8/2022 and reflects the ongoing exploration of hydrogen solutions within the automotive sector. The broader message is clear: hydrogen propulsion offers a clean emissions profile, yet practical adoption depends on fueling infrastructure, vehicle weight, and design trade-offs between efficiency and power.