Fuel cell vehicles may be dramatically different from internal combustion engines of today.

Inside the GM HY-Wire Image Courtesy of General Motors

“Drive by wire” technology developed by GM is a glimpse of what fuel cell technology may do for the automobile. No longer is a there a need for complex hydraulics, steering linkages, and large amount of space for an internal combustion engine. Therefore, the entire vehicle may be built on an 11 inch chassis and the body attaches to that platform. GM engineers envision the ability to switch out bodies as needed. For example, you may attach a truck body to the platform for hauling and a sedan body for traveling.

Most auto manufacturers have a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that is capable of operating on

Honda FCX Fuel Cell Vehicle

the road today. Mercedes-Benz, Honda, BMW, Nissan, Toyota, Daimler Chrysler, Ford, and GM all have hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles in Research & Development.

The most challenging aspect of developing a hydrogen vehicle is providing enough onboard storage to travel 300 miles without refueling.