Hydrogen

Hybrids | Electric | Hydrogen | Ethanol | Natural Gas

While hydrogen fuel cell power has been hyped as the holy grail of car technologies, technical development and infrastructure are still a long way away from adaption. Concept cars have been made by prominent manufacturers like BMW but challenges remain.

Benefits

The main benefits of hydrogen come from its simple but highly energy packed reaction with oxygen to produce clean water.

High energy content for its weight
Fast refueling time compared to charging batteries
Engine byproduct is clean water
Higher burning efficiency than liquid fuels

Examples

BMW Hydrogen7
Car Example 2
Car Example 3
Car Example 4
Car Example 5

Challenges

The main benefits of ethanol are associated with its production from sustainable sources like corn its ability to be used with current infrastructure in tact.

Build up of hydrogen filling station infrastructure
Build up of hydrogen distribution network
Build up of hydrogen production facilities
Efficient and safe fuel cell development
Practical and safe fuel storage and delivery safety
How to efficiently create hydrogen with minimal environmental impact

Examples

Car Example 1
Car Example 2
Car Example 3
Car Example 4
Car Example 5

The net effect

Despite considerable technological, pumping and distribution infrastructure update hurdles to be overcome, this along with pure electric vehicle technologies will make our oil hungry machines obsolete.

Not practical for the average commuter in its current state and price. Future developments within the next 20 years will change that.

Resources

Helpful links for more detailed information.

Hydrogen Highway The State of California hydrogen power initiative.
Hydrogen Vehicle Wikipedia page about hydrogen vehicles.
Listing of Hydrogen Cars An up to date listing of Concept and Production hydrogen powered cars.