The use of hydrogen fuel cells for cars is strongly promoted by the governments of many countries and by international organizations like the European Community. The electrochemical behaviour of the most promising fuel cell (polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, PEMFC) is critically discussed, based on results presented in the literature. Moreover, when some non- electrochemical aspects are taken into consideration, it is concluded that the prospects are not too bright. Moreover, the hydrogen-rich gas generated from small organics contains CO2 and a small amount of CO, its use easily leads to poisoning of the platinum gas diffusion anode in the fuel cell. Also the hydrogen storage problems are still not solved.