Why We Keep Pumping Gas, Not Greener Fuels

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Energy companies (so called "big oil") and automotive manufacturers will sell us what WE want, which right now that equates to larger vehicles and CHEAP fuel for those vehicles. Think about it: if we were not willingly buying big vehicles who would have them? Dealers on their lots. Those who say otherwise clearly have their minds made up already and all the articles by Newman will make no difference. IF you all had read the article and sidebars, you would have seen that fuel cells have many issues, beyond the lack of infrastructure. For example, they do not do well in start up below certain temperatures. Not only that, but hydrogen is often extracted from Natural Gas. What good is that? It's a HYDROCARBON!!! And who cares who owns the patents on existing batteries. They won't work for the applications...
As well, auto makers and energy companies are driven by PROFIT. Those are profits for shareholders and workers. Set aside if execs get "too much" or not. There are lots of pension plans, mutual funds and individual investors who own stocks in such companies and deserve a return on those investments. When the government interfers with new laws and regulations, profits may suffer, and those who rely on that current of future income also feel the financial impact.
The DIY kits often suggest you can run your car on water or other substances, but if you dig you will find that they promise a lot, but often require more energy input than they produce. *Not to mention use of them can void your warranty.) As such they go against natural laws. It takes a lot (I repeat, a LOT) of energy to split water into its oxygen and hydrogen components. Anyone promising that you can split water and run your car on it is lying to you.
Like the old adage goes: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
As for government, we already have a Department of Energy here in the US that is investing heavily in alternative energy production ideas, new battery technology, and other things. They're even researching how to accelerate scientific advances in many fields.
Personally, I'm nopt convinced that the government is best suited to decide which technology is best, or where infrastructure can go. It was the federal government, in association with State and Local goverments who decided to put up flood barriers for a city that is up to 20 feet below sea level, and look how well New Orleans did in a major hurricane...
Yeah, I really trust my government to do all those things AND get it right.

Gene of OH 6:34PM March 24, 2009

Essentially car companies do not want hydrogen powered cars on the market and distribute a lot of lies in their press packs. GM also developed lots of patents, specifically to stop other companies making electric cars, and Chevron own the patent for NiMh batteries and have been obstructive in handing out liscenses for large battery manufature.
Hydrogen is clearly the winning choice in most instances. Two problems, the motors and batteries last indefinitely and so customers will very rarely come back for more - it will cut their earnings DRAMATICALLY. This is why they continually report hydrogen cars as being almost ready! Despite the fact that they had test models running 10 or more years ago. Unfortunately jounalists with limited time don't bother to dig this deep. The second problem is that it needs decisive action by governments to make hydrogen readily available country wide, the USA and UK both have oil supplies so this is unlikely to occur until they realise greater ecomomic benefits from the switch over. Personally, when the cost of car pollution relatied health issues, and the cost of asthma drugs, and the longevity of Hydrogen cell powered cars, I believe that they are making a chronic mistake.
I am lucky enough to be able to recharge a 60kph electric scooter from my garage, the running costs are about 10 dollars a year, and it is bliss to ride - like freewheeling everywhere. I often wish others could have a five minute go on it - I feel that they would be hooked for life, even if it is a second vehicle to be used on local journeys.

1:04PM August 07, 2008

What about the hydrogen packs? I see there are several websites advertising packs ranging in cost from $400-$1500 installed and components and instructions for the DYI mkt starting @ $50? Your thoughts as to practicality and viability? THX, JRH

JOHN HICKEY of CO 4:23PM March 24, 2008