The basic technology of a fuel cell is conversion of hydrogen into water chemically. The hydrogen is allowed to react with oxygen chemically and produce water. While this conversion process takes place electricity is produced. This electricity is used to run the car. Thus the chemical energy produced in the fuel cell is converted into mechanical energy.
There are several advantages for this method of using hydrogen. One is that it is pollution free. When a petroleum derivative like petrol or diesel oil is used the vehicle emits dangerous gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Both these gases are injurious to the health of the human race itself. In the long run the atmosphere will be filled with unmanageable quantity of carbon dioxide. The carbon monoxide is soon converted into carbon dioxide drawing additional oxygen from the atmosphere. If inhaled directly, carbon monoxide can be lethal.
Another advantage is that when the technology is fully developed dependence on fossil fuel can be eliminated. The reserves of petroleum all over the world are fast depleting, and we’re in urgent need of alternative car fuels. Sometime earlier it was believed that the reserves will be exhausted in the next forty years. But now it is said that petroleum production will peak in the next ten to twenty years. It will not take much time to finish off after that.
Even though some manufacturers of cars and two wheelers in the US and Japan have started using this technology, much more research is required to bring such vehicles into common use.