Fuel cell vehicles use a completely different propulsion system than conventional internal combustion engines and can be two to three times more efficient. Like an electric vehicle, fuel cell vehicles use electricity as power, but instead of using a battery, they use fuel cells. Fuel cell vehicles produce power from the electric energy released from combining hydrogen and oxygen within the fuel cell. The byproducts of this process are clean water and heat.
Fuel cell vehicles are not yet commercially viable but offer a promising long term solution. Unlike petroleum powered vehicles, fuel cell vehicles produce no emissions and help protect our health. They also increase our energy security and strengthen the economy.
Links
- For information on the future of fuel cell vehicles, please download our 2009 Buyer's Guide.
- To learn more about fuel cell vehicles and how they work, please visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
- For more information on fuel cell vehicles and current research, please visit FuelEconomy.gov.
