A fuel cell electric vehicle ___.

• A. uses hydrogen as its fuel
• B. emits nothing from its tail pipe
• C. does not have a tail pipe
• D. recharges by plugging into a charging station

Answer: (A)

Fuel cell electric vehicles generate electricity on board by reacting hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell stack. The hydrogen is stored on the vehicle and serves as the energy source; the resulting electricity powers the electric motor. This on-board conversion of hydrogen to electricity is the defining feature that sets FCEVs apart from other types of vehicles. Refueling is done by adding hydrogen at a fueling station, not by plugging in to recharge. While tailpipe pollutants are not emitted, the core point that makes this vehicle type distinct is the use of hydrogen as the fuel.