Hydrogen cars use more energy overall than battery cars

Direct charging

Battery electric car

Energy losses

From well to tank

Electrolysis

C02 air capture,

hydrocarbon synthesis

Transport, storage

and distribution

94% efficient

From tank to wheel

Inversion AC/DC

Battery charge

efficiency

H2 to electricity

conversion

Inversion DC/AC

Engine efficiency

77% efficient

Hydrogen

Fuel cell car

Energy losses

From well to tank

Electrolysis

C02 air capture,

hydrocarbon synthesis

Transport, storage

and distribution

68%

From tank to wheel

Inversion AC/DC

Battery charge

efficiency

H2 to electricity

conversion

Inversion DC/AC

Engine efficiency

33%

Petrol e-fuel

Conventional car

Energy losses

From well to tank

Electrolysis

C02 air capture,

hydrocarbon synthesis

Transport, storage

and distribution

55%

From tank to wheel

Inversion AC/DC

Battery charge

efficiency

H2 to electricity

conversion

Inversion DC/AC

Engine efficiency

Note: 20% for diesel because

of better engine efficiency

16%

Direct charging

Hydrogen

Petrol e-fuel

Battery electric car

Fuel cell car

Conventional car

Energy losses

From well to tank

Electrolysis

C02 air capture,

hydrocarbon synthesis

Transport, storage

and distribution

94% efficient

68%

55%

From tank to wheel

Inversion AC/DC

Battery charge

efficiency

H2 to electricity

conversion

Inversion DC/AC

Engine efficiency

Note: 20% for diesel because

of better engine efficiency

77% efficient

33%

16%