A hydrogen fuel cell car is a vehicle that uses hydrogen to create electricity to power an electric motor. It is a type of electric vehicle, but instead of relying on rechargeable batteries, it relies on a chemical reaction in a fuel cell.
The fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which produces water as a byproduct. The hydrogen is stored in high-pressure tanks onboard the vehicle, and the oxygen is drawn from the air as the car moves.
In the fuel cell, hydrogen gas is supplied to the anode, while oxygen is supplied to the cathode. The hydrogen molecules are split into protons and electrons at the anode. The protons pass through the electrolyte membrane, while the electrons flow through an external circuit, producing an electric current which powers the electric motor. At the cathode, the oxygen and protons combine to form water, which is released as a clean byproduct of the reaction.
Overall, the process of generating electricity in a hydrogen fuel cell car is highly efficient, produces zero emissions, and offers a promising alternative to traditional combustion engines. However, the production and distribution of hydrogen fuel are still in the early stages and involve significant challenges.