Jeep Commander 2

Chrysler Group engineers provide an inside look at one of the pioneering methanol fuel reforming fuel-cell concept vehicles.

Development of fuel cells for automobiles inevitably leads to discussions of fuel choice. The cleanest fuel-cell engine requires the cleanest fuel, hydrogen, to produce electricity. The source of hydrogen for the fuel ceil presents major technical challenges for onboard hydrogen storage, fuel reforming systems, and fuel infrastructure. To meet consumer needs, fuel-cell vehicles must provide a competitive driving performance and range compared to internal-combustion engines. Onboard fuel reforming for fuel cells is a necessary alternative until hydrogen storage can achieve competitive specific weight, energy density, and storage efficiency compared to liquid fuels.

Liquid fuels such as methanol currently have advantages of cost, storage, dispensing, and transporting over hydrogen, say Chrysler Group engineers. Methanol is simpler to reform, while producing fewer emissions than gasoline reforming for fuel-cell engines. In terms of fueling infrastructures, methanol will be easier to implement than hydrogen.