Fuel Cell Vehicle

If you�re looking for a cleaner way to drive, a fuel cell vehicle is one of the most environmentally sound options. However, this type of clean fuel cell vehicle is not quite ready for mass use yet � to put it mildly � but as a concept, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are the stuff of green dreams. A fuel cell vehicle (FCV) has the potential to significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower harmful emissions that cause climate change. This type of vehicle is in the early stages of development, and several challenges must be overcome before it will be competitive with conventional vehicles. However, the potential benefits of this technology are substantial.

A fuel cell vehicle runs on hydrogen gas instead of gasoline and generates no harmful tailpipe emissions. Externally, it looks the same as a conventional car. But it has a component called fuel cell stack that makes all the difference. Its function is to convert hydrogen gas stored onboard with oxygen from the air into electricity to drive the electric motor that propels the vehicle.

Several auto companies have a fuel cell vehicle in their portfolio. These include Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daihatsu, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Mazda, GM, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Nissan and Peugeot, to name but a few.

Refilling is an issue for a fuel cell vehicle at present. In California, for example, there are 23 hydrogen fuel stations for a total of 143 vehicles. But there�s hope. In early 2010, Honda, which makes hydrogen cars, began operation of a next generation solar hydrogen station prototype at its Los Angeles Center of Honda R&D Americas, Inc., intended for use as a home refueling appliance capable of an overnight refill of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. The station is designed as a single, integrated unit to fit in the user's garage that can produce enough hydrogen (0.5kg) via an 8-hour overnight fill for daily commuting (10,000 miles per year). There are many obstacles to be overcome until the fuel cell vehicle becomes a common sight on our roads. Storage systems are too large and expensive, fuel cell systems do not perform well in extreme environments and new delivery systems to bring hydrogen to the consumer will have to be built. Also, there are safety issues related to the handling of compressed hydrogen and its risks will have to be addressed. But there�s no doubt that hydrogen will have its place in the green economy and its applications.