Hydrogen Powered Cars

With rising gas prices and an increasing need for clean energy, hydrogen powered cars could be the future. Already released on several markets worldwide, hydrogen powered cars release no CO2 or other greenhouse gases. They have also proven to be reliable without lacking the performance drivers are looking for. So what are the best hydrogen powered cars out today? Let’s take a look.

1. Honda FCX Clarity The FCX Clarity from Honda is the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to ever be released. A chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen creates electricity, which in turn powers the vehicle. This vehicle has a top speed of 100 miles per hour and can reach 60 miles per hour in less than ten seconds. The carbon fiber composites that make up the vehicle keeps its weight down, only increasing performance.
2. GM Hy-Wire The Hy-Wire by General Motors is another well made hydrogen vehicle. This vehicle contains a 95 kilowatt fuel cell and drive system that allows for superior handling. Like the FCX, the Hy-Wire has a top speed of about 100 miles per hour. Despite being released in 2002, this remains one of the more innovative hydrogen powered models to date.
3. BMW Hydrogen 7 This limited series model is brought to us by the renowned automakers at BMW. To date, the BMW Hydrogen 7 is only being released to the public on a lease basis. It uses liquid nitrogen stored in its own separate tank as a supplementary fuel source. The fact that it is based on BMW’s 760iL limousine makes it a more traditional looking vehicle. In fact, at first look it would be hard to determine that it is anything but a normal gas powered vehicle.
4. Mercedes Benz F-Cell Mercedes released this hydrogen model on a limited run in late 2010 for European customers. The model has a 5000 psi hydrogen tank that can hold enough fuel for a 248 mile drive. Mercedes has also announced a B-Class future model of this vehicle that will allow for a more powerful electric engine. With constant innovations, this could evolve into the car of the future.
5. Toyota FCHV Hydrogen Car The Toyota FCHV is a fuel cell hybrid vehicle, hence the name FCHV. It is based on Toyota’s Highlander vehicle and is the only SUV to make the list. It is set to be released for production in 2015 and has been undergoing tests since 2001. The FCHV has a top speed of 96 miles per hour and can go up to 30 miles on battery power alone. Look for this hydrogen powered car to make a splash in the upcoming years.