Hydrogen Vehicles and Their Delay in Production

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Recommended: The effect of hybrid vehicles on the environment

Our Air is Our Future! Hydrogen? The latest craze these days is hybrid cars. People are looking for alternatives to their gas-guzzlers and are opting for more fuel-efficient vehicles. With the rise of gasoline prices and the ever-increasing dependence on foreign oil, something has to be done, and quick! At last, we may have finally found a solution, the hydrogen car! Will it surpass the electric and battery cars we have today? In his first term President Bush proposed $1.2 billion in research funding for hydrogen-powered automobiles. He called on Americans for their support, saying "Join me in this important innovation to make our air significantly cleaner, and our country much less dependent on foreign sources of energy." (Howstuffworks.com) A hydrogen car, also known as a FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) is powered by a fuel cell. A fuel cell is a device that converts the chemical energy from a fuel, hydrogen, into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen. (en.wikipedia.org). The fuel cell generates electricity by splitting the electrons from the protons from the hydrogen. The ionized hydrogen atoms then combine with oxygen to form water. A result of this of this process is heat, so the ‘exhaust’ is steam! (Fueleconomy.gov) AP Photo/Richard DrewHydrogen cars are environmentally friendly, emit no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants, and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil. (How Stuff Works). Like me, however, most people want to see numbers! Currently, hydrogen is $5.00/kg. Vehicles in production thus far hold between two and four kg. The goal in mind, once things level off some, is that the FCV will provide the same or better mileage for our dollar than that of gasoline. This all sounds extraordinary, but... ... middle of paper ... ...ll Restoring Funding for Hydrogen Car Research."Washington Post. The Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2009. Web. 05 Mar. 2014. "How Fuel Cells Work." How Fuel Cells Work. USA.gov, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. Barry, Keith. "A Hydrogen Highway for the East Coast." Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, 25 Jan. 0010. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. Singh, Timon. "Italy to Install Solar Hydrogen Fuel Pumps at Gas Stations | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building." Inhabitat Sustainable Design Innovation Eco Architecture Green Building Italy to Install Solar Hydrogen Fuel Pumps at Gas Stations Comments. Inhabitat, LLC, 26 Aug. 2010. Web. 16 Mar. 2014. SunHydro. "The New Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure: Filling Stations At Quick Lube Shops | Fast Company | Business + Innovation." Fast Company. Fast Company & Inc © 2014 Mansueto Ventures, LLC., n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2014.

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