Water Vapor Only
Zero Tailpipe Emissions
1 kg Equals 1 Gallon
Gasoline Energy Equivalent
Used Since the 1950s
Proven in NASA Space Flight
Domestically Produced
U.S. Energy Policy Act Fuel
The Fuel
What Is Hydrogen Fuel?
Hydrogen (H2) is a potentially emission-free alternative fuel that can be produced using domestic resources -- making it one of the most compelling long-term options for clean transportation.
Hydrogen is locked up in enormous quantities in water (H2O), hydrocarbons such as methane (CH4), and other organic matter. Efficiently extracting it from these compounds is one of the key engineering challenges of hydrogen as a fuel.
Today, steam reforming of methane (natural gas) accounts for the majority of hydrogen produced in the U.S. Nearly all of that hydrogen goes to refining petroleum, treating metals, producing fertilizer, and processing food.
Designated as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992, hydrogen has been used to power space flight since the 1950s -- and is now at the center of next-generation zero-emission vehicle development.
Zero Tailpipe Emissions
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit only water vapor -- no carbon dioxide, no particulate matter, no greenhouse gases at the point of use.
High Efficiency Potential
Fuel cell electric vehicles convert hydrogen to electricity with significantly higher efficiency than internal combustion engines -- meaning more miles per unit of energy.
Domestic Production Potential
Hydrogen can be produced from water, natural gas, biomass, and renewable energy sources -- all available domestically, reducing dependence on foreign oil supply chains.
Comparable Driving Range
Advanced onboard storage technologies allow hydrogen vehicles to carry enough fuel for driving ranges comparable to conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Battle-Tested Technology
Hydrogen has powered NASA space missions since the 1950s. Decades of aerospace research underpin the safety and reliability standards now being applied to transportation fuel cells.
Onboard Storage
How Hydrogen Storage Works
One kilogram of hydrogen holds roughly the same energy as one gallon of gasoline. The challenge is storing enough of it onboard to give drivers a practical range -- and research is closing that gap fast.
High-Pressure Compressed Gas
The most common storage method today. Hydrogen gas is compressed at up to 10,000 pounds per square inch inside high-strength onboard tanks.
This technology is already deployed in commercial fuel cell vehicles from Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai -- proving it is ready for real-world fleet use today.
Metal Hydride Storage
Hydrogen is bonded chemically with a metal hydride material, allowing it to be stored at lower pressures than compressed gas tanks.
Heat is applied to release the hydrogen for use. This method offers a compact, lower-pressure storage option and is an active area of ongoing research and development.
Low-Temperature Sorbent Materials
Hydrogen is adsorbed onto specially engineered materials at low temperatures, holding large quantities of gas in a compact, stable form.
This emerging technology aims to achieve high energy density at moderate pressures -- potentially offering the best balance of range, safety, and cost for future vehicle designs.
Get Started
Ready to Explore Hydrogen for Your Fleet?
Drive Clean Indiana helps Indiana fleets evaluate hydrogen and fuel cell technology -- from feasibility assessments to grant funding identification and project management.
As Indiana's only DOE-designated Clean Cities coalition, we connect you with the resources, funding, and expertise to move your organization toward a cleaner transportation future.
Grant Funding Support
DCI identifies and pursues federal and state grants to offset the cost of hydrogen vehicle and infrastructure investments for Indiana organizations.
Fleet Feasibility Assessments
Not sure if hydrogen is the right fit? DCI evaluates your fleet operations, routes, and fueling needs to determine whether hydrogen makes practical and financial sense.
Network & Vendor Connections
DCI connects Indiana organizations with vetted hydrogen technology vendors, infrastructure providers, and peer fleets already making the transition.
