Hydrogen

Vehicles can be powered by hydrogen in one of two ways: combustion or fuel-cell conversion . In combustion, the hydrogen is 'burned' in engines in essentially the same method as traditional petrol cars. In fuel-cell conversion, the hydrogen is turned into electricity through fuel cells which then power electric motors.

Hydrogen can be obtained from various products, including natural gas (methane), coal, liquefied petroleum gas or by splitting water (H20) into oxygen and hydrogen (known as thermolysis). When the hydrogen is burned, it obtains oxygen from the air and produces heat and water vapour, making it the cleanest burning of all the alternative fuels.

The internal combustion hydrogen car has more power and is faster than hydrogen fuel cell electric cars. However, the use of this technology is still in the experimental stage; at the moment, a full tank of hydrogen, in the gaseous state, would last only a few miles before the tank became empty. However, methods are being developed to reduce tank space, such as using liquid hydrogen or by using metal hydrides in the tank.

Many companies are currently researching and developing hydrogen internal combustion engine cars, for example BMW, who has built two models that use liquid hydrogen; the 750hL and the BMW H2R, which broke the speed record for hydrogen cars at 186 mph. Other companies such as General Motors Corp and DaimlerChrysler, are investing in the slower, weaker, but more efficient hydrogen fuel cells instead.

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