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.