Which Fuel Cell Is Used In Electric Vehicles?

Introduction;

Which Fuel Cell Is Used In Electric Vehicles? Fuel cell electric vehicles, also known as FCEVs, are often touted as the future of cars. But just like any other vehicle on the road today, there are several different types of fuel cells that power these vehicles—and only one of them is used in FCEVs. You can find out which fuel cell type powers this technology and how it works by reading this guide to fuel cell types and their applications.

A fuel cell electric vehicle uses a fuel cell to convert hydrogen into electricity, which then drives an electric motor to power the vehicle. In order to understand why some automakers have begun using this type of fuel cell, let’s take a look at the other options on the market, as well as the benefits and drawbacks to each type of fuel cell in electric vehicles (FCEV).

Which fuel cell is used in electric vehicles?

A fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) uses an on-board fuel cell to generate electricity and power the motor that drives the wheels, like any other electric vehicle. There are two main types of fuel cells: proton exchange membrane (PEM) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Of these, only PEMs have been used in commercial electric vehicles so far, while SOFCs are still in development.

Fuel cells in electric vehicles

The fuel cell has been extensively studied for use in transportation, and a number of fuel cells have been qualified by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to power electric vehicles. Fuel cells can also be found on space shuttle missions, where they provide electricity and drinkable water for astronauts.
Fuel cells are devices that convert the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a process called electrochemical oxidation (commonly referred to as oxidation). The oxidizer (such as oxygen) reacts with the fuel (such as hydrogen) at the anode to release electrons, protons and energy in the form of heat; these products then react with an electrolyte membrane at the cathode, producing an electric current and more reactant ions to continue the reaction.

Types of fuel cells

Fuel cells can be classified into three categories: alkaline fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, and solid oxide fuel cells. Each type of fuel cell has its own pros and cons when it comes to use in an electric vehicle. The different types of fuel cells also have different rates of efficiency. The specific type of fuel cell that an electric vehicle uses depends on the make and model. For instance, General Motors’ Chevy Bolt EV utilizes a Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell made by Honda. BMW’s i3 makes use of a high-temperature polymer exchange membrane fuel cell from Ballard Power Systems Inc., with hydrogen as its source for fuel. Toyota’s Mirai operates with a nickel-metal hydride battery combined with hydrogen gas compressed at 10,000 psi then cooled to -253 degrees Celsius (-423 Fahrenheit).
In addition to these differences in fuel cells are the potential problems of charging an electric car while out on the road because many chargers are plugged into standard outlets which could pose a fire hazard if not installed correctly or safely.

Pros and cons of fuel cells

When looking to purchase an electric vehicle, it’s important to know which fuel cell they use. The most common fuel cells are the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), also known as Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEFC) and Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC). PEMFCs are less efficient than DMFCs, but they are more affordable due to their higher power density and lower cost of operation. DMFCS use methanol fuel whereas PEMFCS use hydrogen gas.

How to choose the right fuel cell

Fuel cells are a promising technology for the future of electric vehicles. There are two types of fuel cells: proton exchange membrane fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells. One difference between the two is that proton exchange membrane fuel cells use hydrogen gas to create electricity, while solid oxide fuel cells use methanol or natural gas. Fuel cells with proton exchange membranes have a lot more promise than those with solid oxide, because they’re much more efficient – meaning they convert more energy into electricity. However, there’s still work to be done before they can be made cheaply enough for large-scale manufacturing.

Conclusion

A fuel cell electric vehicle is an alternative-energy vehicle that has a fuel cell as its main power source, typically with a battery as a secondary energy source. Fuel cells are not a new technology but have been around for over 100 years, but they are only now starting to be commercially viable because of the advent of better batteries and more efficient fuel cells. In contrast to a plug-in hybrid car, which derives its electricity from rechargeable batteries that can be charged from the grid or by regenerative braking, fuel cells generate electricity on board through electrochemical reactions of hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2) with electrons derived from outside the chemical reaction