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