Q. Which one of the following is the exhaust Pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles powered by hydrogen?

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Hydronium
  • Oxygen
  • Water vapour

Answer: (d) Water vapour

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)
  • Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) is a type of electric vehicle that uses a fuel cell to generate electricity from hydrogen, instead of relying on a battery. This electricity then powers an electric motor, driving the vehicle.
    • FCEVs produce only water vapor as a byproduct, making them a zero-emissions alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
  • Mechanism: The Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate an electric current and water is the only byproduct.
    • Hydrogen + Oxygen = Electricity + Water Vapour
      • 2H2 (g) + O2 (g) → 2 H2O (l)
  • Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) engines are similar to the conventional internal combustion engines because they also rely on a constant supply of fuel (hydrogen) and oxygen.
    • However, there are no moving parts in the fuel cell, so they are more efficient and reliable.
  • Stationary fuel cells are the largest and most powerful fuel cells. These are being designed to provide a cleaner, reliable source of on-site power to hospitals, banks, airports and homes.
  • The successful development of the technology would provide energy for transportation and electric power.
  • Hydrogen fuel tanks are made from highly durable carbon fibre. Some FCEVs have a triple-layer hydrogen tank made of woven carbon fibre.
Hydrogen FCEV
Advantages:
  • FCEVs produce much smaller quantities of greenhouse gases and none of the air pollutants that cause health problems.
  • Fuel cells emit only heat and water as a byproduct and are far more energy-efficient than traditional combustion technologies.
  • FCEVs do not need to be plugged in for charging, like battery-powered EVs.
  • There is a wide availability of resources for producing hydrogen.
Disadvantages:
  • The process of making hydrogen needs energy, often from fossil fuel sources, which raises questions over hydrogen’s green credentials.
  • Handling of hydrogen is a safety concern because it is more explosive than petrol.
  • These vehicles are expensive and fuel dispensing pumps are scarce.