HYDROGEN FUEL: FUTURE ENERGY, NOT NEW ENERGY

Not news to those who know Sherry Boschert’s book, Plug-In Hybrids, but maybe news to those who listen too much to the current administration.

Hydrogen cars face technological hurdles: experts
Jim Forsyth, March 20, 2007 (Reuters via Yahoo News)

WHO
Representatives of European and U.S. auto and energy companies at the National Hydrogen Association convention.

WHAT
The road to hydrogen-powered vehicles will not be easy. Technological challenges include costs and limited range on a hydrogen fill-up. A hydrogen car can travel 45 to 50 miles on a gallon, but a normal-sized fuel tank will only provide a range of 125 to 150 miles.

WHEN
BMW estimates it will be 2025 before hydrogen powered vehicles are commonly produced and sold.

WHERE
The National Hydrogen Association convention in San Antonio, Texas.

WHY
Hydrogen fuel vehicles limited range is due to the fact that hydrogen is put in a car as a liquid at very low temperatures, but reverts to being a gas as it warms. It dissipates into the air even if the vehicle is not being used.

QUOTES
"You have boil off, you are ventilating hydrogen," said BMW vice president of clean technology Frank Ochmann. "After a certain time, after a week, say, the tank will be empty. This is a certain headache that we still have, but we're working on this."