Fuel Cell Automobiles By: Joseph James, Justin Avery

Basic Information Fuel cell vehicles are designed to create their own energy from hydrogen mixed with oxygen Electricity is produced from O2 + H reaction Hydrogen must be stored and compressed in special containers in order to run a car. (Density for gas, freezing temps for liquid) Top speed is estimated at 90 mph and will last for around 280 miles before refilling is necessary.

Advantages Excellent emissions – Exhaust produced is H20 and heat Great gas mileage – Can sustain high speeds and last 280 miles before hydrogen is replaced Efficiency – Can't store energy like a battery, creates its own with reaction to oxygen. (Lasts longer!) Design – Flexibility with designing fuel cells; new, improved car designs possible.

Competition Fuel Cell vehicles produce lower emissions than even hybrid vehicles. Eliminates dependence on foreign oil altogether Less expensive than refilling for gasoline; no charging required. Container design flexibility promotes new safety features and shapes and sizes of vehicles vs. standard car designs presently.

Present-Day Use Small companies target military branches in US to power camps, training facilities overseas. Large automakers (Ford, GM, Chrysler) making test vehicles and considering public sales within a decade.

References http://www.cnn.com/US/9710/27/fuel.cells/fuel.cell.large.jpg http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/transportation/fuelcells.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel-cell http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fuelcell.shtml/node/439 http://www.zangani.com