Hong Kong is advancing toward a low-carbon future by deploying its first three hydrogen fuel cell street-washing vehicles, which utilize smaller and fewer batteries compared to purely electric models.
These new energy cars integrate a hydrogen fuel cell, a power battery, and an electric motor.
During operation, hydrogen stored in onboard cylinders is supplied to the fuel cell, where it reacts chemically with oxygen from the air to generate electricity.
Refueling is carried out using compressed hydrogen through a dedicated receptacle, with the gas stored across six onboard cylinders. The refueling process takes approximately 15 minutes.
According to Rachel Li Siu-ying, an engineer from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the electricity produced by the hydrogen fuel cell powers the vehicle’s motor while also charging its battery.
While conventional combustion-engine vehicles emit exhaust gases, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce only water as a byproduct.
“Hydrogen energy, therefore, has significant potential for wider use in heavy-duty vehicles,” she said.
Li also pointed out that the street-washing vehicle includes a charging port alongside the hydrogen receptacle, allowing the power battery to be charged directly. This dual-energy setup optimizes the use of both hydrogen and electricity, improving the overall efficiency of new energy vehicles.
In addition, the refueling procedure for these vehicles is meticulously designed with safety, requiring that every operation be conducted by professionally trained personnel. Mandatory steps include ensuring that the vehicle’s power supply is switched off and checking for any potential hydrogen leaks.
As the global community shifts away from fossil fuels and accelerates the energy transition in response to climate change, hydrogen is increasingly seen as a promising low-carbon energy source.
Last year, the government released a comprehensive strategy to support the development of hydrogen energy. Among its recent initiatives is the June rollout of these hydrogen fuel cell street washers, along with the city’s first public hydrogen refueling station located in Yuen Long.
