The driving range of today's electric cars averages 80 to 100 miles. Current batteries take about six hours to recharge and the cost of electric vehicles is high. However, recent developments in electric vehicle technology and increased demands for electric cars show much promise for the future. The next generation of alternative fuels includes fuel cells. Car companies are in the process of developing vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity.
Fuel cells produce no pollutants.
Unlike electric cars, fuel cell-powered cars can go 280 miles without refueling and have a top speed of 90 mph. However, they are not quite ready for mass production. It is easily transported through pipelines and costs about the same or slightly less than gasoline. But CNG fuel must be stored under pressure in heavy tanks, and the cost of accommodating these tanks must be considered. Natural gas is being successfully used in transit and school bus fleets and is an excellent alternative to conventional diesel technology.