The first prototype hydrogen fuel cell automobile was created by Toyota and Daimler Benz in 1997. These vehicles are much more environmentally friendly. This is the same year that the gas powered fuel cell was invented. The first Hybrid Electric Vehicle(HEV) was made available to the public when Toyota introduced its Prius. This is hybrid in the sense that it is powered by both gasoline power and electric power, thus increasing the number of miles per gallon of gas.
There are about 125 hydrogen electric cars being tested out on the streets. However, it will still be many years before this type of car is available to the general public. Research into hydrogen powered cars began 20 years ago, but it was only recently that the project began to show results. One of the main concerns about hydrogen power is the safe storage of the hydrogen within the car as well as in fill-up stations. However, its environmental and economic benefits make the hydrogen fuel cell an appealing alternative to gasoline.