Question: What exactly IS a fuel cell?

[E30 Reaktionär]

They are safer then a normal gas tank cause a reguler gas tank is just stamped steel. Where the fuel cell has a greater impact resistence and can be mounted in a tighter space. I had two cars so far with fuel cells and the first one was a 70 Dodge Dart 15gal. It was made of polyethylene (plastic). I didn't like that one cause over time it started to cave in on itself. Plus it had no fuel gauge so i had to use a paint stick to see how much gas was in it. Now the Vega i have now has one in it (plastic) thats going to ge changed to a metal unit like in the picture.

[fretburnr]

it is a form of a gas tank. the idea is that its a safer alternative to a factory tank; non vented, much more resistant to puncture or failure from an accident/excess gforce etc.



another benefit is that its made of lightweight materials, so for a race car that's a plus - and can be had in smaller capacities, therefore having less fuel weight too. a drag car doesn't need more than 16 gallons :p

[Mr Deagle]

they have a rubber bag inside of them so if they get in a wreck they dont leak.

if you are talking about a hydrogen fuel cell, thats completely different

[Jand3rson]

May seem like kind of a noob question, but I've never been totally clear on exactly what they are, what purpose they serve, or how they're different from the regular gas tank.

Can someone enlighten me?