2040 prediction: 400,000 hydrogen-powered ICE units
The adoption of hydrogen-powered engines in the trucking industry will depend on a number of factors, including the availability of hydrogen fuel, the development of supporting infrastructure, and the overall cost and performance of these engines compared to other alternatives. One potential barrier to the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines in trucking is the limited availability of hydrogen fuel in many areas. While hydrogen fueling stations are becoming more common in some regions, they are still relatively scarce compared to gasoline or diesel fueling stations, which could make it difficult for trucking companies to access hydrogen fuel on a regular basis. Additionally, the high cost of producing hydrogen fuel in some cases may make it less economical for trucking companies to use hydrogen-powered engines compared to other options.
Hydrogen fuel is much cleaner than gasoline or diesel, producing only water vapor as a byproduct when it is burned. This makes hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines a potentially attractive option for reducing emissions and improving air quality. Because hydrogen fuel has a high energy density and can be burned more efficiently than gasoline, hydrogen-powered engines may be able to achieve better fuel economy and lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline engines.
Overall, it is likely that the use of hydrogen fuel in the trucking industry, as well as in other sectors, will continue to grow in the coming years, but it may take some time for hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines to become a common sight on the roads.
Imagine it's 2024 and the U.S. is on the brink of a modern-day gold rush, but this time, it's all about a new, clean energy source buried right beneath us—geologic hydrogen.