A fuel cell is like a normal battery. However, instead of storing electricity, it generates electricity. The principle behind the production of electricity in a fuel cell is based on the formation and electrolysis of water. In the process of electrolysis, an electric current is passed through water, that causes the compound to break down into oxygen and hydrogen. Similarly, in a fuel cell, the hydrogen and oxygen molecules come together and react to form water and electricity. This electricity is used as a source of energy, in this case, to drive the car. According to their working, fuel cells are classified into many varieties, but their basic working principle remains the same.

Fuel Cells in Cars

Many companies like Honda, General Motors, Daimler-Chrysler Mercedes, etc. are currently researching fuel cell technology. Many of them have also come up with models using fuel cells, for sale. Most of the fuel cell vehicles that are in operation today, use liquefied hydrogen tanks as a source of hydrogen, while the oxygen is used from the air. Some other models use a device known as the ‘reformer’. A reformer is used to extract hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels. Some cars also use fuel cell cars that directly uses methanol. In this process, the hydrogen is directly removed from methanol within the fuel cell. In short, if you want to own a hydrogen powered fuel cell car, you have to have the facility of an hydrogen filling station or a methanol filling station.

Hydrogen Powered Fuel Cell Cars

Honda FCX Concept: The Honda FCX is one of the latest models of fuel cell concept cars that Honda has come up with. It uses a fuel cell stack that is placed in the mid-portion of the car for energy generation, and deploys two hydrogen tanks that are at the rear of the vehicle. It has a very low body and an over all length of 186 meters.

GM Hy-wire Hydrogen Car: The General Motors Hy-wire Hydrogen Car was an attempt by General Motors to make fuel cell driven cars more affordable. General motors plans to launch the finalized edition of this car by the end of 2010. The designers of the Hy-wire have made it driver friendly and care has been taken that the driver experiences maximum comfort while maneuvering the car. The Hy-wire deploys 3 compressed hydrogen cylinders as a source of fuel.

GM Equinox Hydrogen Car: The GM Equinox Hydrogen Car was designed by General Motors to solve some problems and drawbacks of fuel cell cars. One of the major drawback that has been overcome by this model, is the working of fuel cells in sub-zero temperatures. The stack of fuel cells that powers the vehicle was an in-house research and development done by General Motors. The engineers claim that the car is designed to run exactly 50,000 miles.

Ford Focus Hydrogen Car: This car is a mixture of high fuel economy, excellent performance, and high comfort for the passengers. The car has undergone several modifications since its original designing. Many changes regarding the stack of fuel cells, vibration and noise reduction in the car has made it very comfortable to ride in. The fuel cell that is used by the car is known as the Ballard 902 and it uses one pressurized hydrogen tank.

Some of the other prominent manufacturers of the hydrogen powered fuel cell cars are Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda, Daimler-Chrysler Mercedes, Suzuki, Nissan, Peugeot etc. In addition, many of the car manufacturers have come up with buses and trucks too. Some of the prominent cities in Europe have even deployed these fuel cell cars and buses for public transport.

The use hydrogen powered fuel cell cars will not only facilitate resource conservation, but will also help us preserve the environment. The use of this technology will ensure that we have a greener and cleaner future.