Battery-electric cars seem way ahead of the pack to win the race with internal-combustion energy, judging by media attention. However, BMW is still hanging on to hydrogen as a banker, and currently trialing its BMW iX5 option. We decided it was time to review progress with hydrogen fuel cell electric transportation. How does this work, and why don’t we hear more about it?
Principles of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Car Locomotion
‘Locomotion’ is the ability of something to move itself from one place to another. We use the term here, because it applies equally to land, sea, air, and even space travel. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles use the most abundant element in the universe, hydrogen, and so their energy is truly renewable.
However, their hydrogen fuel cells work differently from the gasoline burning in internal combustion engines. In hydrogen-electric vehicles, the compressed gas in their fuel tanks transforms into electrical energy in their fuel stacks. This electricity energizes the electric motors. Their emissions are pure water.
But there are some similarities with the electrochemical batteries we use in our flashlights and phones:
- The hydrogen gas enters an anode where it encounters a catalyst, typically platinum.
- This catalyst promotes separation of hydrogen atoms into electrons and protons.
- But it also promotes oxygen reduction at the cathode by reacting with the protons.
- The electrons gather at a conductive collector, feeding energy to the electrical system.
How Well Do These Hydrogen Vehicles Perform?
California Air Resources Board reports that hydrogen fuel cell cars are quiet, very energy efficient, produce no emissions, and match the driving range of their gasoline counterparts. They refuel quickly, and deliver more than adequate power and performance.
More Information
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Basics How They Work
