10-18-2009, 02:44 AM
Paul F. wrote: There will most likely NEVER be a reason to build a hydrogen powered vehicle, the energy density is just too low, and the storage of cryogenic hydrogen is not trivial, not easy, and not safe.
Unless there is a way to increase the density of Hydrogen, and store it at room temperature, then Fuel Cells are never going to be a viable alternative either.
I was a big detractor of hydrogen and not just for the density/storage issue. Toyota gets a decent range out of their hydrogen fuel cell vehicle even with today's technology. If they can increase the density another 40%, the high efficiency should allow a very reasonable production vehicle.
http://www.toyota.com/about/environment/...echnology/
"The FCHV-adv achieved an estimated range of 431 miles on a single fill of compressed hydrogen gas, and an average fuel economy of 68.3 miles/kg (approximate mpg equivalent). While fuel cell technology has advanced significantly over the last few years, infrastructure must be in place for hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles to become a reality for consumers. "
How many battery only cars can go that far? OTOH, some battery only cars are getting equivalent ratings of over 200 mpg. :dunno: