What Is A Hydrogen Car
Date Added: August 03, 2008 03:01:28 AM
It is no secret that most nations rely on fossil-based fuel for their energy requirements. However, the problem is that this source of energy is finite. Time will come that this source will be exhausted, and there will come a great crisis as a result of this. Right now, countries are experiencing the dwindling of fossil-based resources with the increase in gasoline prices. Experts are quick to point out that the continued rise of fuel prices is a result of the great demand for energy and the dwindling of supply of fuel.
In recent years, many alternative sources of energy have been explored such as solar and wind energy. But what has caught the fancy of many people is the prospect of using hydrogen-powered cars.
As its name implies, these cars are powered through harnessing of the mechanical energy of hydrogen. This is considered as a breakthrough, what with the many distinct advantages that this technology can provide. However, the harnessing of this technology is still in its early stages. This technology has yet to be rolled-out into mainstream use since experts are still working out on a couple of loopholes.
Hydrogen cars run on hydrogen fuel which is tapped after hydrogen atoms are broken up and then re-combined with the atoms of oxygen. This can be done through electrolysis, wherein electric current is applied through water. Most of these hydrogen-fueled vehicles operate on fuel cells. There are other hydrogen-based vehicles that however use the traditional internal combustion device through harnessing of liquid hydrogen in place of gasoline.
There are 100% hydrogen powered vehicles that are being used in certain areas around the globe. The downside with these hydrogen vehicles, however, is the lack of infrastructure that would complement the maintenance of these vehicles. It would take trillions of dollars to replace the current gasoline fueling system that most countries use. Also, hydrogen fuel cells that are necessary in harnessing the mechanical energy of hydrogen atoms are quite costly to produce. These devices are also fragile, and they cannot withstand the vibrations and bumps that cars experience during road trips.
Likewise, it is hard to start up a car using hydrogen fuel in cold weather. Engineers are still working on the startup capabilities of hydrogen-fueled cars particularly in freezing conditions.
The benefits, however, far outweigh the downsides, particularly when one considers the savings afforded to car owners. According to various researches, consumers can save up to $1000 a year in gas expenses. The figure is applicable to those who are considered normal travelers. Those who frequently use their cars can save up to $1500 in gas expenses. These are however estimates that differ according to the age and type of hydrogen cars being used. Additionally, using a hydrogen fueled car can help motorist to double their miles per gallon which results to cutting back on gas expenses.
Find out more about hydrogen power in How Does A Hydrogen Car Work?
