Okay, anoraks and technically savvy greenies, this one's for you: Nissan has developed a hydrogen fuel-cell stack that produces two and a half times as much power, size for size, as its previous version, introduced way back in 2005.
In simple terms, a fuel-cell stack to provide a given output will now be less than half the size (and weight!) of the previous generation
How? The idea was simple; making it work must have been a mission. The membrane electrode assembly has been simplified and is now moulded in one piece with its framework, which makes it lighter, simpler and more efficient - and uses only a quarter as much super-expensive platinum, making it considerably cheaper as well.
Nissan also says the new frame/membrane assembly can be more easily standardised and stacked up to provide more power for bigger applications, allowing even more cost savings.
Overall, it says, the cost of the new fuel-cell stack is about one-sixth of the 2005 version - for the same power output - moving the fuel-cell vehicle one big step closer to the mainstream.
Now all we need is a sustainable source of hydrogen and fuel companies willing to put a hydrogen pump at every gas station fuel, to make zero-emission motoring a reality...