Hydrogen-powered bike recharging: how does it work?
For refuel a hydrogen bike, you need to fill it out hydrogen tank with pressurized dihydrogen (H₂). Unlike an electric bike that requires several hours to recharge a battery, the recharging the hydrogen bike is very fast, taking only 2 to 5 minutes.
The dihydrogen used can be produced in various ways, including through a hydrogen electrolyzer, a device that breaks down water into oxygen and hydrogen using an electric current.
Where to recharge a hydrogen bike?
The refueling a hydrogen bicycle requires access to a hydrogen distribution station, which allows you to fill the hydrogen tank under high pressure (approximately300 bars for bicycles).
Currently, these stations are still few in number, but their number is increasing in large cities and industrial areas. Some companies and local authorities also invest in hydrogen generators autonomous systems for producing and storing hydrogen on-site.
How does a hydrogen electrolyzer work to recharge a bicycle?
A hydrogen electrolyzer allows for the local production of hydrogen using water and electricity. There are several types of operation concerning the hydrogen electrolyzer, but the most common is the electrolysis of water, which separates hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current.
The steps in hydrogen production using an electrolyzer:
Water (H₂O) is introduced into the hydrogen electrolyzer.
An electric current separates the water into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂).
The pure hydrogen is collected and compressed for storage in a hydrogen tank.
Once stored, it can be used for refueling a hydrogen bicycle via a suitable station.
Can you recharge a hydrogen bike at home?
To date, the refueling a hydrogen bicycle at home remains difficult, as it requires specific infrastructure such as a hydrogen electrolyzer and a hydrogen tank secure. However, some mini hydrogen generators are being developed to allow local and autonomous recharging.
What is the price of a hydrogen electrolyzer for recharging a bicycle?
The price of a hydrogen electrolyzer depends on its capacity and technology. Small models intended for domestic or professional use can cost between €5,000 to €15,000, while industrial systems cost several hundred thousand euros.
As technology evolves, the price of hydrogen electrolyzers should decrease, making the green hydrogen more accessible.
How long does it take to recharge a hydrogen bike?
The refueling a hydrogen bicycle is very fast compared to an electric bike. A full tank of hydrogen takes between 2 and 5 minutes, which allows for almost continuous use of the bike without having to wait several hours to recharge.
What is the range of your hydrogen bike after recharging?
After a Hydrogen-powered bicycle recharge, the battery life varies between 100 and 150 km, depending on the model of the bike and the type of assistance used. This is comparable to, or even better than, the best electric bikes available on the market.
What are the advantages of hydrogen refueling for a bicycle?
Ultra-fast recharge: A full tank in just a few minutes.
High autonomy: Up to 150 km with a single tank of fuel.
Clean energy: Hydrogen only produces the water as a broadcast.
Long lifespanNo lithium battery to recharge and replace regularly.
> Back to the home page of the FAQ
> Back to the homepage VELHY
