What is the fuel used in a fuel cell automobile?

compressed hydrogen gas
Fuel cell cars are powered by compressed hydrogen gas that feeds into an onboard fuel cell “stack” that doesn’t burn the gas, but instead transforms the fuel’s chemical energy into electrical energy. This electricity then powers the car’s electric motors.

Can fuel cells be used in automobiles?

A fuel cell can be used as the secondary power source. A system can be set up where batteries power the vehicle, and the fuel cell recharges the batteries when needed. A fuel cell can run part or all of the vehicle’s electrical system….Fuel Cell Vehicles – Automobiles.

Which fuel cell type is best suited for automotive applications?

PEM fuel cells are used primarily for transportation applications and some stationary applications. PEM fuel cells are particularly suitable for use in vehicle applications, such as cars, buses, and heavy-duty trucks.

What is the cost of fuel cells?

In contrast to these battery costs, operators reported an average cost of $33,000 for a fuel cell system for Class I and II lifts (typically 8–10 kW in size), with costs ranging from $32,000 to $34,000.

Who is making fuel cell cars?

Firms including Toyota and Hyundai have produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, while smaller manufacturers such as Riversimple are also working on hydrogen-powered cars.

What are qualified fuel cell vehicles?

Qualified fuel cell vehicle. This is a new vehicle propelled by power derived from one or more cells that convert chemical energy directly into electricity by combining oxygen with hydrogen fuel, and that meets certain additional requirements.

What is a Toyota fuel cell car?

A fuel cell system combines stored hydrogen with oxygen from the air, and a chemical reaction that produces electric current, and water, which drops out of a hidden vent pipe beneath the car. Electricity generated by the Mirai’s fuel cell and the regenerative braking system is stored in a lithium-ion battery.

Are hydrogen fuel cell cars safe?

For all the volatility of a gas like hydrogen, which combusts with one-tenth the energy required for gasoline, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are safer than cars with internal combustion engines, according to industry experts.

Why PEM fuel cells are used in vehicles?

Automobiles are a primary application of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which operate under low temperature and high efficiency, to reduce fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Using hydrogen fuel, PEM fuel cells can reach a practical efficiency as high as 65% with water as the only byproduct.

What is the difference between Sofcs and PEM based fuel cells?

SOFC is not as compact and works at higher temperatures than PEMFC. The SOFC can be combined with a gas turbine increasing its efficiency. If waste heat recovery is used its efficiency is further increased. PEMFC has a lower capex compared to SOFC but SOFC can utilize natural gas which is cheaper than hydrogen.

Is fuel cell expensive?

Fuel cells are very costly because they are complex and require expensive materials such as platinum.