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General discussion

How long before fuel cell cars make an impact?

Jun 16, 2008 10:15AM PDT

I'm sure you guys saw the news this morning that Honda will be producing its FCX Clarity in the U.S. in a very limited fashion. Basically, there are going to be dozens available this year, growing to hundreds in the next several years. Widespread production waits for factors like available hydrogen fuel stations (currently there are a few in Southern California, but not many elsewhere). How long before you think this is a viable larger production technology? http://vlane.com/blogs_article/101/industry-update-honda-gives-its-new-fuel-cell-car-to-movie-stars

Discussion is locked

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Now tell me...
Jun 17, 2008 3:03AM PDT

The cost per mile for that fuel.

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from TV
Jun 19, 2008 2:25AM PDT

it says about 120 miles per gallon.

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How much is one gallon?
Jun 19, 2008 10:41AM PDT
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It has to be practical
Jun 17, 2008 4:33AM PDT

Even if it becomes a solid reality, it needs to be as common as a pile of dirt. I just know once any problem arise, it has to goto a speciality fix-it-shop and that costs. In other words, it needs to be treated like an appliance and cost only slightly higher w/o tax breaks. Plus, the whole infrastructure has to fall into place, where does that leads us, more cost. Of course when there's no gas, then everything will be "peachy keen".

That's my 2-cents and its all I got to spend, too -----Willy Happy

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Opinion from VW
Jun 18, 2008 5:46AM PDT

I covered VW's launch of the new HyMotion fuel cell vehicle. One of their tech execs said he thinks it will happen in 7 to 10 years. I see a lot of momentum in the industry right now for series hybrid cars, like the Chevy Volt, where you use an electric drive that runs on batteries, and you have an onboard generator, which could be a fuel cell. The VW exec said that fuel cells work well supplying a steady stream of electricity, like when recharging a battery, as opposed to the high and immediate demands you get from hooking them directly to an electric motor.

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About the same time DAT tapes replace CDs?
Jun 20, 2008 1:14PM PDT

I think hydrogen fuel is a dead end, unless the government artificially supports it by subsidizing fuel stations. Fuel cells that run on a more practical fuel, like a gas that can be liquified at more reasonable pressures, or some liquid fuel seem more viable.

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Que that Benny Hill song "cut out the middleman"
Jun 21, 2008 12:51AM PDT

Since today's fuel cells convert fuel into electricity why not just use that?