Environmental experts believe that Hydrogen Powered Cars are the solution to harmful emissions produced from gas-guzzling cars and high prices of petrol. Foreign oil importation and further oil exploration would definitely become unnecessary if this becomes global.
Given that hydrogen is the richest element in the universe and that it does not emit toxic chemicals, it only makes sense for hydrogen powered cars to be the automobiles of the future. Although these cars are not yet at their prime to be used by consumers yet, numerous manufacturers are already showing off their concept cars and prototypes to get consumers excited.
One of the earliest concepts of hydrogen powered cars was called the Revolution, which was manufactured by Fiberforge (formerly Hypercar, Inc.). Even though this experiment delayed the hydrogen fuel cell phase, what resulted was a system of producing ultra-lightweight automobiles that used carbon composites. The manufacturer soon recognized the fact that if these cars of the future will be successful, cutting down on the car’s weight would be vital to be able to develop better fuel mileage while preserving safety standards.
DaimlerChrysler, the company who owns Mercedes, announced the production of a series of Mercedes Benz A-Class hydrogen powered cars in the US and Europe. The cars get their power from compressed hydrogen. Mercedes has also introduced the F600 Hygenius Concept Car, which is powered by fuel cell and like hybrid vehicles, it makes use of regenerative braking to bring back energy and recharge the batteries. The F600 Hygenius is also equipped with a 240-volt outlet, which according to Mercedes can power two houses. This car can deliver 115 horsepower and has a range of 250 miles. Just like other Mercedes cars, the F600 Hygenius is equipped with standard features like built-in cameras that warn drivers if other vehicles are in their blind spots, heated cup holders and its Pre-Safe system, which protects passengers when an upcoming accident is detected.
Honda is also on top of the race as it has developed its own hydrogen powered cars, which according to the brand are certified by the California Air Resources Board and the Environmental Protection Agency and outdistance the Mercedes cars. Honda claims its Fuel Cell Cars can go 220 miles before the need to refuel as opposed to the 90-mile per tank limit for the Mercedes.
Toyota has also showcased the FINE-S concept car with a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid-electric powertrain, which was built after their gasoline/electric hybrid car the Prius became a sucess.
BMW has revealed what they call “the world’s fastest hydrogen car,” which they’ve named the HR2. The HR2 boasts of exceeding 185 miles per hour. Unlike most current hydrogen powered cars, the H2R uses a modified 6-liter, 12-cylinder combustion engine for its propulsion instead of operating on fuel cells.
