Hydrogen fuel cells are viewed as the great savior of our massive oil consumption.  They seem to be the answer to finite energy resources and they are said to be good for the environment too. 

This technology works by combining hydrogen with fuels cells.  The Fuel cells operate by taking in hydrogen which reacts with a catalyst.  That catalyst separates the atomic particles known as protons and electrons and they travel two different paths.   The electrons pass through a cathode, which generates energy, while the protons mix with oxygen and releases the byproduct: environmentally safe, clean water.  Sounds simple enough that it just might work, but not anytime soon.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is not advanced enough to make owning hydrogen fueled cars a legitimate possibility just yet. The goal is by 2015 to have a fuel cell that will last for more than 5,000 hours durability and 300 miles per fill up.  A massive gas station to hydrogen refueling station conversion must also take place, and who knows how long that will take. 

High Quality Vehicles Equals Cheaper Fuel Costs for You

The cost of hydrogen fuel for auto owners is going to be completely dependent on how well vehicles will operate.  If the fuel cell vehicles have a 250 mile range and 2,000 hours of durability it will be about $3.00/gge (gasoline gallon equivalent). With the 300 mile range and 5,000 hours of durability, the goal of 2015, the prices will be $2.50/gge.  As we all know, that fifty cents per gallon makes a very big difference.

Hydrogen Fuel, the Revival of the American Dream

Billions of dollars will make an extremely large difference when it comes to funding all things hydrogen fuel. The fuel cell industry has asked President Barack Obama to set aside 1.2 billion dollars for research, development, and stimulus. 

The industry has stated that the 1.2 billion dollars will provide several opportunities:

·         Shake our dependency on foreign oil

·         An environmentally safe alternative to gas

·         Create jobs

With bail outs abundant, why not toss some money to something that could potentially save the economy, save the environment, and save the country in one swoop?

Arnold to the Rescue

There have been steps to making the transition to a fuel cell adapted society.  In California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger began setting up hydrogen refueling stations.  Although it seems a bit premature, if you have seen Total Recall then you have confidence that Arnold knows what the future holds.  He has made stations in urban areas for those few who have hydrogen fuel cars, mostly incentive projects from the auto industry or environmental companies.  

Though the fuel cell automobile technology is available, at this point it is very impractical.  Hydrogen fuel cells for cars can only provide a driver with about 35 miles before another fill up is required.  This makes driving anywhere, with the exception of the Gov. Schwarzenegger’s urban hydrogen refueling hotspots, nearly impossible. 

Strides are being made but not at the pace many would like.  Much more funding and focus will be needed to make this alternative a reality. It may be a while before the hydrogen fuel cell is needed, but it also may be a while before they become a realistic alternative to our gas powered cars.  As Plato aptly put it, “necessity is the mother of invention.”  So now we wait for the necessity.