Fuel cells rely on a steady diet of hydrogen-rich material such as ethanol, methanol and liquid hydrogen. They generate enough energy to power a car to speeds as fast as 60 mph and can power larger vehicles, too. The Chicago Transit Authority plans to use the technology to power three prototype buses. When idling at a stop sign or moving at slow speeds, it relies on its quieter, more efficient electric engine. When the driver needs a little pickup on the highway, the gas engine kicks in.
Hybrid cars are heavy, thanks in part to their large nickel-hydride battery packs.
And they fare poorly in crash tests. Biomass can also be used in place of fossil fuels for coal firing. The switch doesn't impair the operating efficiency of coal plants, and only trace amounts of sulfur are released into the atmosphere. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form.