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DAVE GUILFORD

Are hydrogen fuel cells running out of political gas? Advocates carry on

May 6, 2010 - 12:01 am ET
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Dave Guilford is enterprise editor of Automotive News.
 

In the last decade, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles got a lot of buzz.

Not lately.

The Obama administration has pushed near-term alternatives like battery-powered EVs. Dismayed fuel cell advocates say their technology beats battery electrics with rapid refueling and ranges comparable to petrol-powered vehicles.

Creation of a national hydrogen refueling infrastructure has been the roadblock.

But Toyota said this week it has reduced the cost of making hydrogen fuel cell cars by 90 percent -- and is planning a $50,000 hydrogen fuel cell car in the U.S.

And Honda -- which has a fleet of FCX Clarity fuel-cell cars on the road -- is testing a solar-powered home unit that makes hydrogen by electrolyzing water.

Well-to-wheel emissions for a car powered thusly? Zero.

You can reach Dave Guilford at dguilford@crain.com.
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