Can Fuel-Powered Cars Burn Hydrogen?

[DiAlessandra]

Fuel-powered cars can burn hydrogen, and vehicles that use hydrogen as fuel are considered new energy vehicles. However, most of these are currently buses, and some cities have already adopted hydrogen as an energy source for their public transportation. Advantages of Hydrogen Energy: Hydrogen has a high heat of combustion, being three times that of gasoline, 3.9 times that of alcohol, and 4.5 times that of coke. The byproduct of hydrogen combustion is water, making it the cleanest energy source in the world. It is also abundant and sustainable. Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles: The hydrogen supply issue for hydrogen-powered cars is addressed by using metal hydrides as hydrogen storage materials. The heat required to release hydrogen can be provided by engine coolant and exhaust waste heat. There are currently two types of hydrogen-powered vehicles: one that runs entirely on hydrogen and another that uses a blend of hydrogen and gasoline, known as a hydrogen-gasoline hybrid.

[EliFitz]

I've been running a repair shop for years and often encounter this issue. Conventional gasoline or diesel engines are specifically designed for those fuels, with entirely different combustion processes—directly using hydrogen won't work. Hydrogen has low energy density and requires specialized storage systems like high-pressure tanks after compression. Engine timing and fuel injectors would also need adjustments; otherwise, it could lead to knocking or incomplete combustion. While retrofit technology is feasible, it's costly and hazardous—even a tiny spark from a hydrogen leak can cause an explosion. We've seen some car owners attempt it, only to end up with overheated engines or pipeline leaks, resulting in endless repair headaches. Currently, there are dedicated hydrogen-powered vehicles on the market, such as the Toyota Mirai, which use fuel cells or modified engines, but those are entirely new designs. My advice is to avoid tampering with conventional fuel cars and just opt for a new vehicle—it's safer and hassle-free. Retrofitting carries too much risk and isn't worth it.

[LeKennedy]

Having driven for over a decade, I've always thought about how to be more environmentally friendly. Gasoline cars cause serious pollution, while hydrogen combustion only produces water, making it a clean energy source. However, existing cars can't use it directly. The fuel system of an engine is designed for a fixed setup, and hydrogen requires different compression ratios and ignition methods. Simple modifications might damage the engine. Some say retrofitting is possible, but it's time-consuming and costly: replacing hydrogen tanks, modifying the fuel injection system, and ensuring no gas leaks. I've checked online—retrofitting costs range from thousands to tens of thousands. Plus, with hydrogen refueling stations being scarce, although a single fill-up can take you far, overall, it's less practical than buying a pure electric or dedicated hydrogen fuel vehicle. In the long run, hydrogen infrastructure is still immature, making it unrealistic to proceed now. It's better to choose a new car to reduce the burden on the planet.

[DelLevi]

When working in a fleet, safety comes first. Regular car engines cannot burn hydrogen due to structural incompatibility. Hydrogen is highly flammable, and leaks in the engine compartment can instantly cause fires or explosions. Modifications require professional adjustments to spark plugs and fuel lines; otherwise, they are prone to failure. The risks are too high, making it not worth attempting. Choosing a factory-made hydrogen-powered vehicle is the safer option.