Many wonder what the future of vehicles will look like. Some have speculated a world of electric cars, others solar powered. Honda, who is one of the most innovative car manufacturers on the planet seems to believe it to be hydrogen fuel-cells.

Fuel-cells work by storing hydrogen in tanks and converting it into electricity that powers an electric motor. Because the vehicle is not a hybrid it will be able to house a much larger and more powerful electric motor. The hydrogen has to be refueled by special refueling stations that don’t exist yet but analysists believe they will come. Fuel-cell cars promise to have the same performance you would expect from a gas engine except that in the case of hydrogen, the only exhaust is water vapor.

Okay so here’s the down sides. Hydrogen is a highly flammable/explosive gas that could ignite in a crash. Manufacturers will have to prove to consumers that these things are safe and that the chance of explosion are minimal.

If the idea takes off and all the kinks worked out it could be a very viable option. Hydrogen is easily extracted from water by applying a simple electrical current. Therefore water could easily be the new fuel. This however will not help the already depletion of fresh water supplies in the world. I wonder then if hydrogen plants couldn’t extract hydrogen from sea water? No matter what happens it is clear that consumers will have the final say in the value of hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

Image: Honda-World.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Cars Of The Future

China represents the 2nd largest auto interest in the world, and with the introduction of the Honda Civic hybrid, Toyota Prius, and Buick Lacrosse Eco-Hybrid, major automakers are making a move to take advantage of China’s new environmental trends. In fact, Toyota began producing the Prius there, partnering with China FAW Group Corp. while GM’s move into the Chinese market represents an even bigger push.

In a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. – Shanghai GM – the companies have put into action a program they call “Drive to Green.” Beginning in mid-2008, Shanghai GM will begin releasing a slew of environmentally friendly automobiles into the Chinese market, including the new Buick Lacross Eco-Hybrid, and a line of fuel cell vehicles starting in 2010. The company plans to cut overall fuel consumption by 10% across the board.

Sources:
Marketwatch
Reuters
Shanghai Daily

Post from: EveryJoe

Hybrids Clearing new Paths in China: GM’s Buick LaCross, Honda Civic, and Toyota Prius Hybrids

Chevy Silverado Hybrid

Chrysler Aspen Hybrid 
(Does anyone else hate the Charlie Brown hair on the hood??)

Dodge Durango Hybrid 

Honda Fuel Cell Vehicle
(Which looks curiously like the Prius.)

Mercedes S400 Hybrid

Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

Post from: EveryJoe

LA Auto Show – Silverado, Aspen, Durango, S400, and Cayenne hybrids

 ”It is both quick and quiet since it is an electric vehicle with a lot fewer moving parts than the traditional internal combustion-powered truck.

GM believes that the cost of filling up with hydrogen would be competitive with gasoline.

Of course, the key advantages are reducing the nation’s dependence on oil, and the fact that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles emit only water vapor.”

The bad news, and the reason why these cars won’t be on the market by next year? (Or the year after.) Though fourth generation, the current hydrogen cells being used by GM have an estimated 50,000 mile lifespan. Experts expect development to take at least another 5 years.

Post from: EveryJoe

GM’s Hydrogen powered Equinox Gets a Thumbs Up