thanks for the post..!
I think the real story here is the low cost platform of fuel cells, less the chemical fuel (hydrogen or hydrogen rich mixtures).
GM understands that the real revolution is not how we fuel cars, but how we build them. And when you look at moving beyond the cost complexities of a combustion engine, the electric motors need a reliable, scalable power generation system.
Yes batteries are coming, but they have a performance ceiling (weight/cost/safety) as a storage only device. If we move forward with a 'fuel' (hydrogen) and on-board power generator (fuel cell- I know, still in development!!) you've found your real alternative to the ICE.
GM is wise not to follow the short-sighted hype over batteries and plug in -- as it pushes for a low cost power generation system in fuel cells. So - I'm glad to see them maintaining a public commitment.
There is a short but solid presentation by Keith Cole, GM Director of Adv Tech Vehicle Strategies from a recent Congressional committee testimony that is worth watching. He explains in so many words why the best bet/ROI for the US (e.g GM) is H2 fuel cells not battery cars (which we've already lost to Asian manufacturers) Video is at
http://budurl.com/7czhI think GM might move further down the road by convincing Americans that the electric fuel cell vehicle is the revolution (polymer based energy conversion) and let's not confuse them w/ talk of hydrogen until it's time!
Thanks for post - John!
Best, Garry Golden
