While attending the 2008 National Hydrogen Association conference in Sacramento last week, it is clear that the lack of involvement from energy companies and government is what’s keeping hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from becoming a reality for consumers. As GM Vice President of Research & Development & Strategic planning Larry Burns stated in his keynote speech;

 

 

Larry Burns speaks of the progress collective automakers (GM, Daimler, Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Ford) have made over the past decade in addressing the limitations and costs associated with the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology. They are making the necessary improvements to ensure the demands of auto consumers are met. The auto industry is proving it will have the capability to put a Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles on the road with the performance (I’ve driven the Chevy Equinox and the power had me smiling and impressed), range, safety, durability, cold start capability, functionality and appearance equal to a gasoline vehicle, without the harmful tailpipe emissions, and dependence on fossil fuels.

 

A perfect example of the auto industry’s commitment to this technology and proof that it can be a reality (besides the 1 billion dollars GM has spent do date on R&D) is GM’s Project Driveway. Project driveway is currently the largest fuel cell fleet market test, with a 100 vehicles being put in the hands of everyday people and some businesses. This is a 3 year test and will provide important data to GM regarding the vehicle technology. It will also help create consumer comfort and confidence with hydrogen fuel cell technology. Keep your eyes peeled; vehicles have already been delivered to people in Los Angeles and NYC.

 

Energy companies and government on the other hand are failing to step up and do their part to help grow an infrastructure for this exciting and promising technology. GM announced project driveway 3 years ago and had the vehicles ready to go and on the roads, yet the energy industry and government didn’t do their part to ensure that re-fueling stations were available, so GM built them on their own. GM has made it clear they have no interest in entering the energy business, but they feel strongly that this is the technology of the future. Hydrogen re-fueling stations are essential so they can continue advance their technology and improve on what they have already learned. Energy companies and government cannot continue to expect the automobile industry to tackle this alone. It is critical that they put forth the investments and work closely with the auto industry in drafting the policies necessary to create a larger market for these vehicles.

 

The automotive industry’s vision and commitment to hydrogen fuel cell research, as well as achievements in vehicle development have been impressive. Despite a slow start from the energy sector and government, I am optimistic that they will become more engaged and allow this technology to advance. Shell Hydrogen and GM have been working closely with one another, and Shell Hydrogen Global Vice President Duncan MacLeod feels they will be able to come to terms on a plan for more Hydrogen stations in California within a few months. Out of all the alternative fuel technologies being developed today I believe Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers us the best chance for a truly renewable energy source and zero emission vehicles. It’s not science fiction, the research and developments are happening now. If the technology is given the chance, I can see us harnessing the power of the sun, wind, or cellulosic bio-fuel to create the hydrogen needed to power our vehicles.