How efficient is a fuel cell?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fuel cells are generally between 40 and 60\% energy efficient. This is higher than some other systems for energy generation. For example, the typical internal combustion engine of a car is about 25\% energy efficient.

Are fuel cells economical?

Fuel cells are more efficient than internal combustion engines. If a practical method of hydrogen storage is introduced, and fuel cells become cheaper, they can be economically viable to power hybrid fuel cell/battery vehicles, or purely fuel cell-driven ones.

Why fuel cells are more efficient than batteries?

Fuel cell electric vehicles have a much higher energy density by weight, allowing them to overcome the range and weight challenges associated with battery electric vehicles. Hydrogen tanks are also more compact and lighter than an array of fully charged batteries.

Are fuel cells more efficient than combustion engines?

In fact, a fuel cell coupled with an electric motor is two to three times more efficient than an internal combustion engine running on gasoline. The energy in 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of hydrogen gas is about the same as the energy in 1 gallon (6.2 pounds, 2.8 kilograms) of gasoline.

Are fuel cells more efficient than combustion?

In fact, a fuel cell coupled with an electric motor is two to three times more efficient than an internal combustion engine running on gasoline. Hydrogen can also serve as fuel for internal combustion engines. However, unlike FCEVs, these produce tailpipe emissions and are less efficient. Learn more about fuel cells.

What are advantages of fuel cell?

Fuel cells can have an efficiency of over 80 per cent, compared to internal combustion engines that currently operate at around 25 per cent efficiency and power plants at about 35 per cent. This is a huge increase in efficiency and shows that the power going in is creating much more energy.

Are fuel cells more efficient than gasoline?

In fact, a fuel cell coupled with an electric motor is two to three times more efficient than an internal combustion engine running on gasoline. Because hydrogen has a low volumetric energy density, it is stored onboard a vehicle as a compressed gas to achieve the driving range of conventional vehicles.