Hydrogen fuel cells can power electric drivetrains

Hydrogen fuel cells operate by passing hydrogen gas (H₂) through an anode, where it is split into protons (H⁺) and electrons (e⁻) by a catalyst. The protons travel through a proton exchange membrane (PEM) to the cathode, while the electrons are forced through an external circuit, creating an electric current that powers the vehicle’s drivetrain. At the cathode, oxygen (O₂) from the air combines with the protons and electrons to form water (H₂O) as the only byproduct, completing the electrochemical reaction.¹

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Footnotes

1. Department of Energy. (n.d.). How Do Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles Work Using Hydrogen? https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how-do-fuel-cell-electric-cars-work ↩