Exhaust from hydrogen fuel cell vehicles — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2024
Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen?
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Hydronium
- Oxygen
- Water vapour
Explanation
Option (d) is correct
- Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) powered by hydrogen use clean and efficient technology. In an FCEV, hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen from the air in a fuel cell to produce electricity.
This electricity powers the electric motor that propels the vehicle. The only byproduct of this reaction is water vapour (H₂O). So, FCEVs emit clean water vapour instead of harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons typically found in exhaust from gasoline-powered vehicles.
Answer: (d) Water Vapour: Difficulty Level: Easy
