Researchers may have found a better way to produce hydrogen for cars

Researchers have created a way to produce the & # 39; hydrogen on demand using the & # 39; water, carbon dioxide and cobalt. Theoretically, this would go directly into a fuel cell, where it would mix with oxygen to generate electricity and water. The electricity would then power the engine, the rechargeable battery and the headlights of the EV.

According to UMass Lowell, the hydrogen produced is 95% pure and the vehicles would not need to be refueled at a gas station. Instead, owners replace the cobalt cans that would fuel the generator & # 39; hydrogen. Because the technology can produce hydrogen at low temperatures and pressures and that excess is not stored in the vehicle, this minimizes the risk of fire and explosion . Although this is not yet a practical application, it could help make VECFs a viable option.

UPDATE, 22/03/2019, 2.30 pm ET: This story has been updated to reflect the fact that the vehicles are not refueled at a gas station. You can read a statement by Professor David Ryan, chairman of UMass Lowell's Department of Chemistry:

The system we have developed does not require the vehicle to be refueled at a hydrogen filling station. Our technology would use cobalt metal cartridges as fuel to run the generator d & # 39; hydrogen. The cans would be exchanged once spent. It's really too early to say, but the goal is usually to be able to travel up to 350 to 400 miles for most vehicles before "refueling".