The fuel-cell and Hydrogen-based propulsion
A fuel-cell is effectively a battery. The electrical energy is generated by a chemical process combining hydrogen (4H2) and oxygen (O2). The result is electricity and water. The technology produces no carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
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- Fuel-cell & Hydrogen
While electrical and hybrid cars are slowly replacing conventional models, the next generation of fuel-cell vehicles (FCV) are under development by leading car manufactures. These will be based on fuel-cell technology and hydrogen propulsion, and the result is cars emitting no CO2.
When can I have one?
Any drawbacks or problems?
How it works
Vehicle performance
An FCV will have no large engine to content with. This means a quiet drive, while perfect balancing and handling is achieved. In addition, improved fuel economy and drivability is expected. Fuel-cell efficiency (~60%) is expected to be more than double that of a conventional vehicle.
All the leading car manufactures are working on prototype models. Mercedes is testing fuel-cell buses in China, while UPS is working with American partners to test a small delivery van.
It is expected that fuel-cell and hydrogen powered cars will hit the market in 5 - 10 years. This means that we realistic is looking at 2012 for the first commercial sales to start.
Yes, the technical components making up a hydrogen fuel-cell need to be reduced and improved further to ensure vehicles can store enough hydrogen for a 300 miles journey.
In addition, not may petrol stations sell Hydrogen. Honda is testing a hydrogen refuelling station, which generated hydrogen from sunshine and water. But do not expect to see one near you in the short term.
Finally, it will take quite a while before we are able to produce enough hydrogen for the worlds many cars. Hydrogen is a bi-product of the oil refining industry, but a lot more will have to be produced without producing vast amounts of carbon-dioxide in the process.
Source: EPA (USA)
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