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Which came first? Hydrogen fuel-cell cars or hydrogen filling stations? The answer depends on who you ask. General Motors yesterday called for a "collective resolve" to address the problem of infrastructure to support fuel-cell-powered cars.
Speaking at the US National Hydrogen Association's annual meeting, GM's R&D honcho Larry Burns said that the situation with regard to fuel-cell cars had "now reached a point where the energy industry and governments must pick up their pace so we can continue to advance in a timely manner."
The other problem -- which Burns failed to mention -- is the lack of actual vehicles to make use of said infrastructure. While GM and Honda have committed to putting a handful of fuel-cell vehicles on the road this year, it hardly constitutes justification for the $12bn (£6bn) worth of investment that GM and Shell anticipate it will cost to bring hydrogen access to 70 per cent of the US population.
And without the economies of scale that come from mass production, hydrogen cars such as the Honda Clarity and Chevy Equinox continue to be expensive showpieces. Expect the hold-ups on the hydrogen highway to continue as the automakers, energy companies and the public sector work out who's going to come up with the necessary investment for making the technology a widespread reality.
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Discover the brilliant experienced people who are helping SmartPlanet through the green and ethical minefield.
