Responses to my recent op-ed, A Sustainable Future for Fresno: Rethinking Our Hydrogen Strategy, opened a local dialogue about the benefits of hydrogen for Fresno.
However, some have suggested that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) may better realize the future of green transportation.
So, let’s explore the reality of our transportation needs and their impact on our community. We face two paths: one of environmental degradation and the other that heralds unprecedented growth and prosperity.
Michael Maher
opinion
To begin this discussion, I will define, in simple terms, the four basic acronyms commonly used in the new revolution of ground transportation: ICE, EV, FCEV, and BEV. In the future, I will add details about the upcoming hydrogen revolution and other sustainable fuels in aviation and marine transportation.
The two main categories of transportation vehicles are ICE and internal combustion engines and electric or electric vehicles. The EV category can be divided into FCEV — fuel cell electric vehicles — or BEV — battery electric vehicles.
An ICE vehicle is powered by the explosion of fuel, which generates a reciprocating motion of the piston that is converted into rotational force. The fuel used in ICE can be petroleum-based, biofuel, hydrogen, or a blend of sustainable fuels. Electric vehicles use electricity to power electric motors. The electricity can be stored in a battery, i.e. a BEV or in a gas tank filled with hydrogen in the case of a FCEV. The latter converts stored hydrogen into electricity through fuel cell technology. Hybrid cars are usually a combination of the technologies described above.
Despite the popularity of battery electric vehicles in the passenger car market, their limitations in heavy and freight transportation have proven to be significant. Major American cities, including Fresno, depend critically on robust heavy transportation systems. Unfortunately, battery electric vehicles will not meet California’s ambitious green energy goals for such applications, not only because of practical challenges caused by the extra weight and other limitations of batteries, but also because of the lack of infrastructure we rely on to support the electric demand expected to shift to Green across battery electric vehicles.
Superior hydrogen for transporting goods
In contrast, hydrogen fuel offers a powerful alternative to heavy transportation, and promises more efficient and sustainable practices through the use of FCEV or hydrogen-fuel blending options found in current ICE applications. Using hydrogen fuel will make the transition easier responsibly as we advance in technology, increasing efficiency and lowering the cost below what users pay at the pump.
For example, charging a fleet of 50 semi-trucks or Class 8 trucks is equivalent to the electricity consumption of more than 700 homes. The average energy use per home in California is 24 kWh per day versus 350 kWh to charge a Class 8 BEV truck once.
There are significant issues arising with the widespread adoption of battery electric vehicles in heavy transportation across Central California. Because BEVs are much heavier than other vehicles, they will exacerbate wear and tear on our already strained roads, and the electricity needed to power them could further disadvantage Fresno and surrounding areas by limiting energy for our current uses.
For example, charging a fleet of 50 semi-trucks or Class 8 trucks is equivalent to the electricity consumption of more than 700 homes. The average energy use per home in California is 24 kWh per day versus 350 kWh to charge a Class 8 BEV truck once. California Air Resources Board staff estimates there are 1.8 million medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in California. This demand would severely strain if not paralyze our power grids, especially during peak hours, leading to higher costs as well as frequent power outages.
BEV advocates propose covering our fertile central valley with solar panels to meet this growing electricity demand. However, such a plan would not only fail to provide adequate energy for a significant portion of our transportation needs, but would also destroy our farmland. Furthermore, the long-term disposal of solar infrastructure remains unaddressed, which will likely lead to abandoned environmental risks as cheaper options prevail over proper cleanup for developers of these facilities.
Electric batteries only offer short-term gains
The debate between battery electric vehicles and agriculturally produced hydrogen sums up two visions for Fresno’s future: one that sacrifices our heritage for minor short-term gains and another that revitalizes our agricultural base, creating permanent jobs and industries. Hydrogen not only supports our agricultural economy, but also links our national food security and energy goals, with our valley being the only region able to provide both.
Natural resources here in Central California bless us to be a national powerhouse of renewable energy, not from sunlight alone but through our agricultural prowess. Our rich soils and experienced farming communities are poised to drive sustainable and beneficial green energy solutions for local and national needs.
Hydrogen excels in heavy transportation due to its high energy density and efficiency. It supports larger vehicles efficiently, without taxing our limited electrical supplies or roads and tires with the added weight of batteries. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can refuel in about five minutes – an important advantage over battery electric vehicles to keep California’s vast transportation networks running efficiently. Hydrogen also provides superior range, with vehicles capable of exceeding 550 miles per fill, eliminating range anxiety and supporting extensive commutes and long-distance cross-state travel.
In a future editorial, I will delve deeper into the practical applications of how new hydrogen technology can save energy and fuel today. We will provide strength and promise, moving Fresno and our CentralValley communities forward to the fame and prosperity we deserve.
About the author
Michael Maher, U.S. Congressional candidate for CA-21, is committed to positioning Fresno as a leader in green hydrogen, renewable agriculture, and nuclear and advanced energy production. His diverse experience in the Navy, FBI and private sector, coupled with his involvement with TO Viridi Inc., drives his vision to transform the Central Valley into a national beacon of green hydrogen innovation.
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