Japan's government stands by fuel cell cars

Electric cars and conventional internal combustion cars have a problem. The Japanese government is determined to back up fuel cell cars and allegedly these designs will hit the market soon.

It is probably one of the leading countries when it comes to fuel cell car technology. On the streets of Japan there are tens of cars powered by liquid hydrogen all with the purpose of experimenting with this new source of energy.

The biggest hint on this technology came after the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said it will allow hydrogen tanks to be filled to a maximum pressure of 875 atmospheres. The current maximum standard is close to 700. What that means is a bonus increase of 15 to 20 when it comes to range. Fuel cell cars have pressurized tanks because of the liquid state of the hydrogen, so more pressure means more fuel and range at the same time.

Both Toyota and Nissan plan to unveil a fuel cell car in a matter of months. Allegedly, Toyota's design will do 600 kilometers without refueling and Japanese media claims the concept will be unveiled until March 2015. Don't forget fuel cell cars have two huge advantages on electric cars. The first one is range and the second one is the time it takes to refuel. Some electric cars need 6-7 hours for a 100 percent recharge, while pumping hydrogen in a tank takes no longer than a conventional refuel.

Fuel cell use hydrogen to generate electricity on a car which is then used to power the car. Pure liquid hydrogen is pumped into the tank and combined with air to create water. The process also generates water and zero emissions.