A few problems with hydrogen fuel cell technology:

1. Hydrogen production.
From what I understand, hydrogen is not found in any quantity on Earth, so they need to make it from water. This uses lots of energy and with our current energy production being mostly hydrocarbon we are just relocating the emissions from the tailpipe to the smokestack. It is still more efficient then internal cumbustion though.

2. Hydrogen distrobution.
We currently have a huge infrastructure of oil/gasoline storage and distribution. This would all have to be replaced though staged upgrades to hydrogen distribution. Also, isn't hydrogen very flammable?

3. Hydrogen car technology
Current technology is so behind other alternative forms of energy that it will take many years for it to be a suitable replacement to fossil fuel technology.

To me, battery electric vehicles are the best solution for the near term. The technology is fairly advanced. Lithium ion batteries are becoming more available and are cleaner and recyclable. We already have a great electricity distribution infrastructure right to everyones home for charging. As for the energy production side we would then be able to focus on moving away from coal and natural gas to wind, solar, geothermal, wave, etc.

i think nano, custom designed materials are gonna change the equation in a decade or so. the potential of these in energy convertion apps is enormous. think superconduction at room temperature, quantum computers, hi density information storage, very efficient solar panels and energy storage technology, controled chemical reactions and nano assembly... things are going to explode all over

>> ^GreatBird:

To me, battery electric vehicles are the best solution for the near term. The technology is fairly advanced. Lithium ion batteries are becoming more available and are cleaner and recyclable. We already have a great electricity distribution infrastructure right to everyones home for charging. As for the energy production side we would then be able to focus on moving away from coal and natural gas to wind, solar, geothermal, wave, etc.


The problem with battery powered vehicles that recharge via connection in our home, is the amount of electricity this would draw daily. That kind of energy doesn't come for free and I don't think we have the means intact to support such an infrastructure.

I'm still waiting for the Mr. Fusion power cell and hoverboard =(

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