Hydrogen seems to be a very promising technology to solve the problems of dependency on foreign oil and environmental problems related to gas emissions. The fact that fuel cells have no gas emissions and is a renewable energy makes it an irresistible energy source. With gas prices at record levels, it makes more sense than ever to pursue the fuel cell technology and make it more practical to own and operate by a typical person.
There are many factors that can influence the availability of hydrogen vehicles, which can either precipitate or delay the technology. The most obvious problem is the availability of filling stations, which is a big upfront cost for anyone to invest in. The paradox here is what is going to create demand. Will building hydrogen filling stations create demand for cars? Or is it hydrogen cars that will create demand for filling station? This is a question that should be left to market research experts, and wherever demand is most likely to originate from, filling stations should be implemented there.
Another issue of hydrogen technology is cost; not everyone can afford to buy such an expensive car, but as more hydrogen cars are produced and sold economies of scale will drive costs down.
Auto manufacturers will sure consider the costs and profits of this new technology and if the numbers don’t add up, the auto industry may be reluctant to promote hydrogen cars. Replacing all the combustion engine vehicles that are on the roads today will also delay the availability of hydrogen cars. It will take many years before we can eliminate or greatly reduce the popularity of conventional vehicles. Moreover, auto parts and auto service companies may not be able to adjust well if hydrogen cars suddenly enter the market.
Hydrogen as an energy source is more likely to become the fuel of the future but it most likely takes many years before it becomes a major source of energy for vehicles. Experts estimate that commercial and wide usage of hydrogen cars is at least a decade away.
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