Latest fuel cell 4x4 emits only water
The latest Nissan 4×4 aims to challenge the perception that this type of vehicle is inefficient and polluting; the FCV (fuel cell vehicle) is powered by hydrogen and emits only a few drops of water over the 300 miles it is able to travel on one tank of fuel.
Launched in London today, the FCV is one of a number of fuel cell vehicles at an advanced stage of development, but still prohibitively expensive to produce commercially. The cost of the technology is expected to drop, but there remains a question mark over how hydrogen would be distributed – Britain currently has only one hydrogen fuel station.
How does a fuel cell car work?
The FCV uses hydrogen rather than batteries to power an electric motor – not having to rely on batteries gives it a lower weight, longer range and a quicker refuelling time.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association said: “This type of vehicle is wonderfully clean at point of use, but hydrogen is only as clean as the energy sources used to produce it.”
A British company recently announced it is to sell a DIY hydrogen generator for use in the home.
| A brief history | … of the fuel cell |
|---|---|
| 1838 | Principle of the fuel cell discovered by German scientist Christian Schönbein |
| 1959 | First use of fuel cell-driven vehicle – a tractor |
| 1966 | GM Electrovan was first attempt at hydrogen fuel cell-powered car – extremely heavy, it could travel up to 70mph for only 30 seconds |
| 2001 | The Chrysler Natrium was first prototype car with its own on-board hydrogen processor |
| 2008 | Honda launches first production fuel cell car |
Related articles:
Fuel cell cars are here – we test drive the FCV
DIY hydrogen for your car
Hydrogen fuel station opens in Britain
What is the ETA?
The ETA is a not-for-profit ethical organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.
