Hydrogen fuel-cell cars not viable, says Volkswagen CEO

Mercedes-Benz hydrogen fuel cell vehicle
Credit: Mercedes-Benz/ Green Car Reports

For some time, the idea of the "fuel cell miracles" has been circulating.  I.e. what would have to happen to make fuel cell cars viable:

• Reduce price — Nissan hopes to bring  a fuel cell vehicle to market in 2015 at a cost of $US50,000.  If achieved, this will be an enormous  reduction from the $US1 million indicated for the Honda Clarity fuel cell vehicle.  Auto manufacturers have shown with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that they are prepared to accept initial losses to establish a market.
• Storage — no way to store enough H2 for more than ~120 miles.  I.e. a range which can be equalled or exceeded by BEVs.
• H2 fuel is expensive — even using coal fired electricity, H2 is 3 times as expensive as petrol.
• Fueling infrastructure — doesn't exist.  Fueling infrastructure for BEVs is everywhere — including your home.
• Competing technologies must not improve.  In fact, alternatives such as BEVs, extended range BEVs (e.g. GM Volt) & even efficiency of fossil fuel vehicles, are improving, moving the bar for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles higher.

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1083046_hydrogen-fuel-cell-cars-not-viable-says-volkswagen-ceo / service station petrol gas gasoline diesel fuel fossil hydrocarbon efficiency LiIon lithium ion battery charge range car automobile charge recharge refuel charger Chevrolet Equinox fuel-cell vehicles Toyota Ford Nissan Hindenburg /