Fuel Cell vehicles are still in the developmental stage. From a technical point of view, they are electric vehicles, since electricity (generated by the fuel cell) is used to drive an electric motor. But the vehicle doesn’t have to re-charge as an electric vehicle does – the fuel cell is filled up with a liquid (or gaseous) fuel, in the same way that an internal combustion engine vehicle (such as gasoline or diesel) fuel tank is filled up.

Fuel cells are cleaner and much more efficient than internal combustion engines. For example, if a 40-miles-per-gallon gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine vehicle had its engine replaced by a fuel cell, it could get (theoretically) 60 to 100 miles per gallon! (The systems are still under development, so there’s some uncertainty as to EXACTLY how much more efficient they would be in large scale use – but there’s no disagreement that they would be more efficient.)

So, if fuel cell vehicles should someday replace internal combustion engine vehicles, the existing gasoline, alcohol, or propane fueling infrastructure (stations, pipelines, pumps, etc.) could still be used. And, if fuel cell vehicles were to replace electric vehicles, the electric vehicle technology (motors, batteries, controllers, etc.) would also still be used!

Did you know?

• On the space shuttle, fuel cells are used to provide electricity and water.
• DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Ford, General Motors, and others have announced plans to sell fuel cell cars.
• Fuel cell buses are in use in Ontario, Canada and Chicago, Illinois.

Fuel Cell Links

• Ballard Power Systems
• California Fuel Cell Partnership
• Fuel Cell Store