Why Go Hydrogen?

A comparatively lesser known fuel that will be powering the vehicles of the future is hydrogen. As mentioned in the other section (why go electric), the future is optimistic about cars based on hydrogen fuel. In the following sections, we will look into some the technology unfolds - from a commoner's viewpoint.

In case you did not know it, hydrogen is one of the most efficient fuels humankind has ever known. Take into account the hydrogen bomb. One potent material can wreak a complete havoc on the surroundings on which it is set to blow off.

Sometime similar to that is occurring within hydrogen fuel based vehicles. However, the explosions (that occur within the vehicle's engine) are controlled so that the car and its occupants do not end up dead! In fact, this was one of the primary difficulties faced by numerous automobile manufacturing companies. They simply did not have access to raw materials, which could withstand the nominal yet powerful explosions occurring within the internal combustion engine.

However, those considerations are history now. Kevlar reinforced materials can be utilized in an efficient way to contain the hydrogen fuel burning. The rest of the arrangement works similar to what we already know. Now it is impossible to carry large quantities of hydrogen within the vehicle at all the times. There must be a method to produce hydrogen on the fly - when the vehicle is in operation. This has also been achieved in a feasible manner. Most of the hydrogen fuel based cars use water as the primary fuel. Water when subjected to high electric current breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen. This hydrogen can be effectively contained and used for the vehicle's movement. The other resultant byproduct (oxygen) is fed into the atmosphere (we are actually doing good by driving a hydrogen fuel based car)!

Certain auto manufacturers began to think differently. They found out a method to generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. This electricity produced can be used to power electric motors and rechargeable battery packs. The result is still the same - we now have access to electric cars that use hydrogen as the primary source of fuel. The manufacturers also have come up with other innovative methods to use hydrogen gases to the maximum extent to power the vehicles.

What are the advantages of driving a hydrogen fuel based car? I have already outlined most of them in the above sections. Owning and operating one such vehicle will reduce the air pollution levels drastically. We do not have to rely on fossil fuels anymore (which are being depleted at a faster rate). This futuristic technology has already proven to be a success in countless scientific demonstrations. Suitable (and notable) examples for hydrogen cars include Sequel (an offering from General Motors) and Ford Edge. In the elite circles of auto enthusiasts, the same technology is concurrently termed as fuel cell based vehicles. So, what do you think are the prospects of these vehicles? Do keep us posted.