| Automakers know that rising oil prices and | | | | |
| tougher environmental rules will increase the | | | | The core element of this fuel cell is an |
| public's interest in vehicles that use less | | | | extremely thin plastic film (membrane). This |
| fuel with reduced tail pipe emissions. | | | | spatially separates the reagents, hydrogen |
| | | | and oxygen. The hydrogen is broken down into |
| Hybrids increase fuel efficiency by capturing | | | | positively and negatively charged particles |
| the energy normally lost to friction braking | | | | (protons and electrons). The protons are able |
| and storing it in a battery for later use | | | | to pass directly through the membrane, whilst |
| when driving power is again required. Unlike | | | | the electrons take a more indirect route via |
| internal combustion engine hybrids, | | | | an external current circuit, driving the |
| Volkswagen's hydrogen fuel cell hybrid emits | | | | electric motor. On the other side of the |
| only water. | | | | membrane, the protons, electrons and oxygen |
| | | | combine to form water. |
| The VW Touran Hymotion has high-torque | | | | |
| electric motor that draws its power from a | | | | The hydrogen is transported in gaseous form |
| fuel cell and is absolutely emission free. | | | | at 350 bar in a special tank fitted in the |
| The standard version, driven by petrol and | | | | Touran. A capacity of 1.9 kg hydrogen when |
| diesel engines, which are as agile as they | | | | converted corresponds to the energy contained |
| are economical, is by far the most successful | | | | in 7.5 litres of petrol. In combination with |
| van available in Germany. In the Touran | | | | the electric motor's high efficiency, this |
| HyMotion, an 80 kW electric motor provides | | | | quantity of hydrogen provides the vehicle |
| vehement propulsion. | | | | with a range of approximately 160 kilometres. |