A Quick Guide to Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

 

If you are obsessed with the automotive industry and always look for different vehicles on the internet, you might have heard of fuel cell vehicles. This article provides all you need for more information about fuel cell vehicles.

 

The ever-increasing gasoline and diesel fuel cost and the looming climate change crisis have created a surge in the electric vehicle market. Still, many buyers need more time to be ready to buy fully electric vehicles due to high costs, time-consuming charging, and low range.

 

Imagine you can have a vehicle that runs on electricity and is as easy to recharge as fueling your tank. An example is a hydrogen fuel vehicle (also known as a Fuel Cell Vehicle). Thanks to FCVs, you will not have to wait for hours to go on the road. But with advantages, fuel cell vehicles have some disadvantages too. Let's discuss these vehicles in detail to get an overview.

 

What Is A Fuel Cell Vehicle?

 

A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) uses hydrogen as its fuel. But unlike other fuels in vehicles, hydrogen is not the primary driving power in an FCV. These are a form of electric vehicles, also known as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

 

How Do FCEVs work?

 

Compressed hydrogen, polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), a battery pack, a pair of electrodes and electric motors help the FCEVs drive on the road. In a normal battery electric vehicle or BEV, you charge the lithium-ion battery and use its power to operate the electric motors. The FCEV uses excess energy and stores it to be used in future. Thus, you will not find a charging port in these vehicles. The stored energy helps in initial propulsion.

 

An FCV operates uniquely and stores a considerable amount of electric current. The electrolyte membrane is embedded between the positive and negative electrodes, further immersed in PEM, forming a fuel cell stack. Hydrogen gas immerses at the negative electrode and moves towards the positive one. The electrochemical reactions occurring in the cell cause the hydrogen to split into protons and electrons. This movement of charged particles within the cell generates an electric current.

 

How Convenient is an FCEV?

 

An FCEV is quite helpful and handy when it comes to driving. You will get phenomenal fuel efficiency, and an FCEV can travel up to 700 km on a refill. This proves that these vehicles provide the same results as normal ones. The biggest issue with a fuel cell vehicle is that it is always hard to find a hydrogen fueling station for your vehicle. Due to this issue, many people do not consider FCEVs as an option.

 

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