C5 - Fuel cells

• Advantages of hydrogen fuel cells Vs Disadvantages of rechargeable batteries

  1. Hydrogen fuel cells produce electricity as long as you provide hydrogen, whereas Rechargeable batteries run out and need to be recharged
  2. Hydrogen fuel cells do not get less efficient the longer they run, whereas Rechargeable batteries can store less electricity the more charging cycles they go through
• Disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells Vs Advantages of Rechargeable batteries

  1. Hydrogen fuel cells run on hydrogen - an explosive gas, which is very difficult to store safely, whereas for rechargeable batteries, no dangerous fuels are required
  2. Hydrogen fuel cells produce a relatively low potential difference - so several are needed together, whereas rechargeable batteries can produce a greater potential difference than a hydrogen fuel cell