Hydrogen has really been gaining some ground these days. Most recently, the Department of Energy just earmarked around $15 million for research focused on extended the driving range of a hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicle. Something I didn’t realize, was that hydrogen fuel cells are generally getting around 180 miles to the tank (doesn’t specify size of tank), which isn’t very good compared to 350 range achieved by gas powered cars (how incredible is oil!? If only we didn’t have to worry about running out…) This announcement (as the article also points out), comes on the heels of another major announcement coming from the fed: “DOE earmarks $130 Million in funding for research on fuel cell technologies“
All of this news, including the recent release of the Honda Clairity, and the installation of a hydrogen pump in nearby west la, makes me think about a short conversation I had in 2005 with the then President of Ballard Power Systems (one of the largest fuel cell manufacturers in the US). I caught up with him after he briefed the Senate Energy and Narutal Resources Committee Energy Subcommittee on the state of fuel cells, and hydrogen as a vehicle fuel. In the presentation, he reviewed the state of fuel cell technologies at the time, and summarized his statements with the following comments: “we know what the technical challenges are, we have multiple technology paths that we are pursuing, and we are confident that we can meet or exceed the DOE targets by 2010.” After the meeting, I spoke with him briefly, and i asked him “seriously, do you honestly think we will have HYDROGEN CARS BY 2010? Honestly? (my skepticism clearly got the best of me).” He confidently said, “I’m sure of it.” I didn’t believe him at the time, but i’m slowly coming around 
Let’s get those puppies on the road!
