How many miles per 1 kg of hydrogen?
Most modern hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles achieve roughly 60–70 miles per kilogram of hydrogen, with typical full-tank ranges around 300–400 miles depending on tank size. These figures reflect both official estimates and real-world driving under normal conditions.
Hydrogen-powered cars convert chemical energy stored in hydrogen into electricity to drive electric motors. Because energy content and vehicle efficiency vary, miles per kilogram is the practical metric drivers use to compare range and fueling needs. This article explains what miles per kilogram means, offers representative figures, and highlights factors that influence performance.
What this metric means for drivers
Below are indicative performance ranges reported for common hydrogen passenger vehicles. The figures assume typical tank sizes used in today’s fuel-cell cars and standard driving conditions.
- Most modern hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles deliver roughly 60–70 miles per kilogram of hydrogen.
- Under favorable conditions (steady highway cruising, lighter loads), some drivers report up to about 75–80 miles per kilogram.
- A typical full tank yields about 300–400 miles of range (depending on the car’s tank size, usually around 5–5.6 kg of hydrogen).
In summary, drivers can expect on the order of six to seven dozen miles per kilogram, with real-world results influenced by the vehicle and driving style.
Why these numbers vary
Energy content and conversion efficiency
One kilogram of hydrogen contains about 33.3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of chemical energy (HHV). Modern fuel-cell powertrains convert a portion of that energy to electricity and then to wheel motion. Practical efficiency from hydrogen to wheels typically falls in the neighborhood of 50–70%, placing common, real-world miles-per-kilogram figures in the 60–70 mi/kg range.
Driving conditions and vehicle design
Real-world performance depends on factors such as driving speed, acceleration, terrain, payload, ambient temperature, and how the vehicle’s powertrain is tuned. Cold weather can reduce fuel-cell efficiency and tank pressure, while steady, moderate-speed driving tends to improve miles-per-kilogram figures. Vehicle weight, aerodynamics, and overall drivetrain efficiency also play important roles.
Practical takeaways for buyers and policymakers
For potential buyers, the key takeaway is that hydrogen fueling yields a range per kilogram that is broadly in the 60–70 mi/kg band today, with typical weekly use implying a handful of fills per month depending on driving distance. For policymakers and planners, improving fueling infrastructure, reducing fueling time, and continuing efficiency improvements in fuel-cell stacks will help maximize miles-per-kilogram performance and, by extension, the practicality of hydrogen as a transportation fuel.
Summary
Today’s hydrogen fuel-cell passenger cars generally deliver about 60–70 miles per kilogram of hydrogen, with most full tanks providing roughly 300–400 miles of range. Real-world results vary with vehicle design and driving conditions, but the metric remains a practical way to gauge how far a tank of hydrogen will take a car before refueling. As technology advances and infrastructure expands, these figures may improve further, enhancing hydrogen’s role in a low-emission transportation mix.
