Some consider fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) to be the next generation of green cars, whilst others doubt they will either be cost-effective or efficient enough to take over from the current EVs.
Fuel cell electric vehicles are powered by electricity generated by hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water during driving. FCEVs of the future are likely to offer a potential range of between 400 and 500 miles, comparable to a conventional engine and far superior to today’s EVs.
What’s more – should a commercially viable infrastructure be established – it could take just five minutes to refuel a fuel cell electric vehicle. As in an electric vehicle, 100% of torque is available from zero rpm, giving FCEVs tremendous acceleration.
Daimler, Ford and Nissan – through its alliance with Renault – are collaborating on a common fuel cell system, whilst Hyundai has already previewed its own fuel cell electric vehice – a version of its ix35 SUV.
