What effects would hydrogen cars have on local and global weather patterns?

Question

I have been thinking, since the final product in hydrogen-cell powered cars is water, then wouldn't we experience an increase in humidity, see more rain, and maybe changes in global weather patterns? Not meant to be a political question, just a pure science answer. Just been wondering about this b/c hydrogen seems to be the "it" future power source. Thanks.

Answer 1

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You are forgetting that burning conventional hydrocarbons (gasoline) also produces water. So we're not talking about a big difference here.

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However, here's what's missing from the public discussion of hydrogen fuel-cell cars: hydrogen (in the form available to us) is not a fuel. It is an energy carrier.

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Hydrogen is a battery. Water + electricity = hydrogen. Then, in the fuel cell, Hydrogen makes water and electricity again. This is a reversible chemical process, exactly how a battery works! All the energy comes from electricity. The hydrogen 'carries' it.

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A fuel-cell car is an electric car, with a fuel cell and hydrogen tank added on - so it will always be more expensive than a plain electric car. Furthermore, new battery research is now giving us electric vehicle batteries that can be charged in 10 minutes, with a 250,000 mile lifespan (see http://www.phoenixmotorcars.com )

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Check out that link above, and tell me why that car needs a tank of hydrogen? Fuel cells are less than 50% efficient, while battery storage is close to 90% efficient.

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The whole hydrogen idea has been popularized by the oil interests - so they'll still have something to sell to us when we're driving electric cars.

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Answer 2

they contaminate the earth less then the usual cars. healthier cars

Answer 3

There would technically be more water in a given (very, very local) area. But there is already a LOT and I mean a LOT!!! of water vapour everywhere so it would make no difference, even if every vehicle on Earth spontaneously became a hydrogen-powered one.

Beside, gasoline combustion also creates water vapour. Look at car exhaust on a cold day; there you see it.

Answer 4

It would have no effect.

Answer 5

Not enough water to cause an appreciable difference. Still heat pollution, though, and CO2 at power plants, we must sequester the carbon to see results.

Answer 6

well to start with Hydrogen will have its effect on global warming, like it will help to reduce the co2 leaving into space/or it will stop much of unwanted bad air going from the car, because it will not going to give out pollution

it is future flue and it has great future with cars and many more house hold things and vehicles too run with.

thanks for the q

Answer 7

Also they will produce more NO2 ,or photo smog.

Answer 8

Hydrogen is all around us, but you just don't open your gas tank and it flows in.  It takes large amounts of energy like coal and nuclear to refine it.  This still benefits urban areas because of the idle efficiency and smog reduction but is hardly a magic bullet. Oh and at around $100 a gallon and the whole Hindenberg incident you might not see it become so popular.