Hydrogen-powered Vehicles

The fuel-cell car, powered by the combustion of hydrogen, is one of the more beta-stage land transportational vehicles. The current fuel-cell models out there have energy efficiencies comparing with the automobiles used today.

The fuel-cell technology, however, is not one simple, clear cut approach. All forms make use of storing energy in hydrogen, but the research and development (R&D) departments of the world's leading car manufacturers have developed different ways to store and convert this hydrogen energy.

Ford takes the liquid approach to hydrogen-based cars. The leading car company has developed a P200 Ballard Power System which makes use of the proton membrane exchange system.

Another system about equally as innovative is Daimler-Chrysler's boro-metal hydride development.

Whatever the approach be to making use of hydrogen as a fuel, a significant amount of net energy is made. About 90 kilowatts is given off to move the axles of the average fuel cell car.