What Is A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car?

It’s really important that we look after our planet.

In the UK, around 90% of bad emissions come from vehicles on the road.

That’s such a big number that our leaders are trying to find ways of reducing this while still letting us drive our cars. One possible solution is hydrogen cars.

Here are some things you should know about hydrogen fuel cell cars:

It’s still an electric car

Instead of using a big battery that you charge with a plug, it makes electricity inside the car using hydrogen and air (oxygen).

How does it make electricity?

Inside the car is a special “power plant” called a fuel cell. Hydrogen from the tank meets oxygen from the air, which causes a chemical reaction that makes electricity, heat, and water. That water leaves the exhaust as steam.

Where does the electricity go?

Once the electricity has been made, some of it goes straight to the motor, which makes the car move. The rest of the electricity goes into a small battery inside the car. This battery is much smaller than in other electric cars.

Why do people like hydrogen cars?

One big thing with hydrogen cars is that you can refuel them in around 3 to 4 minutes. This is pretty much the same time it takes to fill up a petrol car, but is much quicker than charging an electric car.

Another incredible thing about hydrogen cars is that they produce no bad fumes. Hydrogen cars only make water vapour (steam).

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What are the problems with hydrogen cars?

Hydrogen cars can be very expensive. Making the fuel cells costs a lot of money because they use a metal called platinum. Also, not many hydrogen cars are made yet, which keeps the price high. The hydrogen needed to power the car is also expensive.

There are a few ways to make hydrogen. It’s important that the hydrogen used in these cars is made sustainably. Hydrogen can be made using wind and sun (green energy). However, it can also be made from oil, gas, or coal, but this makes CO₂ (a greenhouse gas), which is bad for the planet.

Are hydrogen cars safe?

Yes! The hydrogen is stored in very strong tanks that are thoroughly tested. Even in crashes, tests show they don’t break or leak. Hydrogen technology has been used safely for quite a long time now.

What parts do hydrogen cars have?

Part	What it does
Hydrogen tank	Holds the hydrogen fuel
Fuel cell	Makes electricity by mixing hydrogen + oxygen
Motor	Uses electricity to make the car go
Small battery	Stores extra energy, helps with driving and braking

Hydrogen fuel cell cars are a cleaner way to drive because they:

• Make electricity inside the car instead of plugging in
• Refuel fast like petrol cars
• Only make water, not harmful emissions

But, to be a realistic solution, they need cheaper fuel, lots more hydrogen stations, and really clean hydrogen to be good for the planet.

Read more news for kids here

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