The science of fuel cells is hard for many people to understand. In simple terms, a fuel cell functions similar to a battery. The difference is that fuel cells don’t run down or need to be recharged. They produce energy in the form of electricity and heat as long as fuel, such as oxygen and hydrogen, is supplied.

Fuel cells are made up of two electrodes placed on the outside of an electrolyte. As oxygen flows over one electrode and hydrogen over the other electricity; heat and water are produced.

Hydrogen fuel is mixed in on the other side of the cell. When the oxygen and the hydrogen mix, the energy is fed into an electrical circuit which powers the car (Fuel Cells 2000).

The idea of fuel cells dates back to the mid 1800’s when British scientist, Sir W

illiam Robert Grove first came up with the idea of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen by the use of electricity. Grove’s work did not accomplish much until NASA began tests on it in the early 1960s. NASA was looking for an alternative to batteries because they were too heavy. NASA scientists were able to lighten the weigh of the cell enough to use on space travel. Fuel cells have supplied electricity to several space missions over the past 40 years (Fuel Cell Today).

The time frame for a mass produced fuel cell powered cars is uncertain at this time, but many people think that when that day comes, transportation will change dramatically. When it comes, the car will no longer be an environmental burden; the amount of pollution put into the atmosphere will dramatically decrease.

These cars are very economical, but some people see that as a fault. Some trade offs did have to occur to gain efficiency in these cars. The Civic Hybrid lacks high horsepower. This year’s model has a max horsepower of 85. This is considerably lower than its sister model, the gas-powered Civic DX which puts out 115 horsepower. The Hybrid model also costs a few thousand more than the gas powered DX model. Hybrids start at $19,995, where the DX model starts at $12,995 (2003 Honda).

Scientists and environmentalists are not the only people that think fuel cell development is important; President Bush launched a $1.7 billion hydrogen initiative. The initiative hopes to get more companies involved in hydrogen-power research and development. (“Our Fuel”)

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