The Supreme Court of India is exploring the potential of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) in response to alarming air pollution levels. The research conducted by the International Research Center for Hydrogen Energy at Kyushu University, Japan, is being studied closely by the Indian government. This valuable work aims to harness the power of fuel cells, a promising technology that converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
Understanding Fuel Cells
A fuel cell operates much like a battery or a galvanic cell, but unlike batteries, it does not require recharging. Fuel cells are powered by the redox reaction, a process that transforms the combustion energy of fuels like hydrogen, methane, methanol and others into electrical energy. A successful type of fuel cell employs hydrogen’s reaction with oxygen, producing water.
The Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Mechanism
The FCEV employs a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce an electric current, with water vapour as the only byproduct. Effectively, FCEV engines, similar to conventional internal combustion engines, need a continuous supply of fuel (hydrogen) and oxygen. However, the absence of moving parts contributes to its increased efficiency and reliability.
Stationary Fuel Cells and Their Role
In addition to being used in vehicles, stationary fuel cells, known for their large size and immense power, are being constructed to provide cleaner, on-site power for hospitals, banks, airports, and homes. This technological advancement has the potential to revolutionise both transportation and electric power generation when successfully developed.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of FCEVs
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Produces minimal greenhouse gases. | The hydrogen production process potentially involves fossil fuels, questioning its eco-friendliness. |
| No air pollutants causing health problems are produced. | Hydrogen’s explosive nature makes handling a safety concern. |
| No need for plugging in for charging. | These vehicles come with hefty price tags. |
| Abundant resources for hydrogen production. | Fuel dispensing pumps for these vehicles are uncommon. |
FCEVs and India’s Current Scenario
The current definition of electric vehicles in India encompasses only Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), which run entirely on rechargeable batteries, lacking an internal combustion engine. To support the market development and manufacturing ecosystem of hybrid/electric vehicles, the Government of India has introduced the FAME India Scheme. This scheme includes Mild Hybrid, Strong Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and BEVs technologies.
Furthermore, several projects on hydrogen and fuel cells are being backed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy under its Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Programme. The Ministry of Science and Technology also supports two networked centres on hydrogen storage: IIT Bombay and Nonferrous Materials Technology Development Centre, Hyderabad.
