Is the eTV program studying hydrogen vehicle technologies?
The eTV program is studying a range of technologies, including hydrogen vehicle technologies. Fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. Depending on the source of the hydrogen, they produce zero or very low emissions. In principle, fuel cells are similar to regular batteries. The main difference is that batteries store electrical energy while fuel cells continuously generate it, as long as an external fuel source is supplied. As such, their performance is not hindered by lengthy – and sometimes inconvenient – recharging times. The range of a fuel-cell car depends on several factors, including driving style, acceleration, speed and ambient temperature. Hydrogen vehicles currently operate with a tank pressure of 35 Mpa (~5000 psi). The range will likely increase as the technology improves. For example, the Honda FCX Clarity, which is currently available in Southern California, is claiming to provide a range of more than 570 km when fully charged.
