Other fuel cell cars have zero or near-zero emissions, depending on their fuel source. Fuel cells have the potential to be the most attractive alternative propulsion system for the long term,'' said Schrempp. But the demise of gas-powered cars is not imminent. Necar 4 is powered by liquid hydrogen, an impractical fuel for mass marketing since it must be kept at extremely cold temperatures. DaimlerChrysler officials said the concept car would be replaced with Necar X, which would run on methanol.
Methanol contains hydrogen and is the auto industry's favored fuel to power fuel cells.
Nationwide use of methanol-powered fuel cells would require a network of methanol pumping stations. DaimlerChrysler's Ferdinand Panik said Necar 4 was a major breakthrough because the fuel cell technology was small enough to fit in a compact car. The fuel cells were stacked underneath the car's floorboard and the liquid hydrogen tank took up some space in its small trunk. Engineers say it must be 660 pounds lighter. The fuel cells are also 10 times too expensive, engineers say.