Most electric cars are powered by rechargeable batteries. That comes with challenges like driving range, long charging times and even environmental issues. Fuel cells offer an efficient and clean alternative. They can be charged in less than 5 minutes and be driven for more than 300 miles in one charge. Yet, fuel cells face one big challenge: costs. A new invention dramatically lowers those costs. A team of scientists was able to replace the expensive platinum catalysts in the fuel cell with cheaper ones made from metals like nickel. The scientists report “unprecedented low cost” and estimate that a Toyota Mirai—currently the only mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle on the market—could be offered for $23,000 instead of $57,500.
Fuel cell breakthrough: Expensive platinum catalysts replaced with cheaper nickel ones
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