Are Fuel Cells a Viable Power Source?
Do you subscribe to the theory that if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is? If so, you will need a great deal of convincing that fuel cells will soon power commercially available automobiles. Among their too-good-to-be-true attributes are the facts that they produce virtually no emissions but water vapor and they are powered by two of the most abundant elements on Earth.
The Fuel Cell
It seems like the proverbial magic bullet. Imagine if you will, an energy source that leaves no residue except some water and a bit of carbon dioxide. Nor does it produce particulates, nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide or anything else that might cause environmentalists to moan. Unlike the typical gasoline or diesel automobile engine, the fuel cell doesn't even use combustion to create power. Instead it uses a simple chemical reaction to make electricity, which can then be used to power electric motors and electronic equipment or stored in batteries for future use.
Fuel Cell Vehicles Are Nearly Here
Over the past year or so, we have had the chance to drive a number of fuel cell-powered vehicles. Each has been a remarkable motorcar, and perhaps the most remarkable thing about them is how unremarkable they are to drive. In our experience, their behavior is almost uncannily like conventional cars, which means two things: one, that fuel cell vehicles are not inherently quirky, and two, that the engineers did a good job developing systems so the electric drive systems mimic conventional gasoline-powered drivetrain operation. We can't imagine that is an easy task since, unlike the typical gasoline or diesel automobile engine, the fuel cell doesn't use combustion to create power. Instead, it uses a simple chemical reaction to make electri ...
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