SOLID POLYMER FUEL-CELLS - AN ALTERNATIVE TO BATTERIES IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES - AN OVERVIEW

As the world becomes increasingly concerned about our environment and the effects various pollutants have on our planet, increasing focus is being placed on clean energy alternatives for satisfying growing energy demands. With legislation in California requiring that 2% of total vehicle sales in 1998 be zero emission vehicles, the automobile industry is in urgent need of a nonpolluting energy solution. Although electric batteries offer a clean source of energy, vehicle range is limited and depreciation costs are high. The hydrogen fuel cell is another zero emission alternative offering greater vehicle range and lower depreciation charges. An overview of several recent solid polymer fuel cell projects is presented.