why do people think that a hydrogen vehicles are dangerous when fuel cells convert water into electricity?

Answer 1

Hydrogen is extremely reactive, and also difficult to contain. It wants to leak out. And when it leaks it is odorless and colorless, and if there is any air or oxygen source around it will want to burn or explode. Fuel cells using membrane separators are relatively fragil, and it's easy to damage the separator between hydrogen side and the air or oxygen side.

The biggest hazard for hydrogen powered vehicles is the threat of motor vehicle accidents. Humans tend to run into each other. When a gasoline powered vehicle crashes, and gasoline leaks out onto the ground, if ther is not an open flame, then it won't immediately catch fire. With a hydrogen leak in air, it only takes a very little bit of energy to ignite the mixture. It can even be catalyzed to react without an open flame.

Answer 2

Fuel cells convert hydrogen and oxygen into water, not the other way around. Hydrogen is not only an explosive gas, but a highly compressed one as well, so thats why.

Switching to hydrogen at this point is a stupid gimmick to make people think they can have their cake and eat it too.

That is to say, keep cruising around in SUVs and save the planet at the same time. Where does the hydrogen come from? Coal, natural gas, crude oil, nuclear-produced electricity.

Answer 3

Because hydrogen can be explosive when exposed to oxygen and a flame source or spark. (Remember the Hindenberg?)

Manufacturers have dropped hydrogen tanks from aircraft, and while the tanks were badly dented, they didn't rupture, but people are still afraid that they'll explode in a collision. Yet gasoline fuel tanks are far more prone to rupture in an accident. Go figure.

Besides, the oil industry does NOT want hydrogen-fueled cars, as it would mean less reliance on their oil, reducing their massive profits

So who do you think is pushing the hardest to keep cars from having hydrogen fuel cells, and is fueling (pun intended) the unwarranted hysteria?

Answer 4

Films of the Hindenburg disaster are powerful images of the potential dangers of hydrogen gas.

"When mixed with oxygen across a wide range of proportions, hydrogen explodes upon ignition."

In addition, hydrogen must be stored in high pressure cylinders, which is another safety hazard.