Fuel Cell Cars

Fuel cells are one of the most popularly discussed fuel supplies of the future. Fuel cells create electricity quietly and efficiency without creating any pollution of byproducts. To a certain degree, fuel cells are similar to batteries as a fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device. The fuel cell changes hydrogen and oxygen into water and as the conversion is made, electricity is created as well.

In a battery, chemicals stored in the battery are used to create a chemical conversion into electricity. However, when the chemicals are used up, the battery must be thrown out or recharged. In fuel cells, there is a ready supply of chemicals needed for the conversion process so the fuel cell never goes dead so long as the fuel cell car has a supply of oxygen and hydrogen, electricity can be created as a power source for the fuel cell cars.

Using Fuel Cells in Cars

Traditionally automobiles are fueled by direct current (DC) produced in a combustion engine burning petrol. The fuel cell creates direct current as well that can be used to power the fuel car motor, lights and appliances. There are currently four types of fuel cells being considered as a means to future fuel cell cars, but commercial fuel cell vehicles are still some ways off.

The Polymer exchange membrane fuel cell is the most likely candidate for true transportation applications as the solid oxide fuel cell and molten-carbonate fuel cell are more suited for large-scale applications and alkaline fuel cells are prohibitively expensive. Currently most researchers looking to integrate fuel cell cars into the public are looking at pure hydrogen fuel cells despite the complications producing and storing hydrogen.

Creating Fuel Cell Cars

Companies are currently working to find the best ways to utilize fuel cells in producing automobiles. Fuel cells have a considerably higher percentage of efficiency than petrol-fueled vehicles and even most electric cars. To maximize the benefits of fuel cells, some manufacturers are considering creating hybrid electric cars run from a combination of battery-powered electric motors and fuel cells. While it's very likely that the fuel cells will be a major means of future transportation, researchers and manufacturers must overcome significant obstacles first including the high cost of the fuel cell cars and the durability of the fuel cells themselves.