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Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that converts chemical energy from hydrogen (or some other fuel) and an oxidant into electricity. Their construction consists of a fuel supply (typically hydrogen), an oxidant (typically oxygen from air), plus two porous electrodes (anode and cathode) with an electrolyte between the two electrodes. A catalyst, often platinum, then speeds up the reaction. A single fuel cell is just several millimetres thick and to power a vehicle, fuel cells are connected in series to provide appropriate operating voltage.

It is envisaged that electricity from fuel cells will power electric motors at each wheel of future vehicles, a vision shared by Toyota as highlighted below.

http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/online/news/articles/2008-03/Toyota-moves-forward-with-fuel-c (14.08.2008)

The head of Toyota has spoken of the automobile manufacturer's aims to bring fuel cell technology to consumer vehicles. Katsuaki Watanebe, president of the company, revealed that it is busy designing a next-generation car powered by fuel cells. Toyota tested a prototype last year, driving the vehicle 350 miles on one filling. At the end of the test, the car still contained 30 per cent of its hydrogen.