New Directions
There probably isn't a day that goes by where you might read or hear news about some new alternative fuel powered motor vehicle. Flex-Fuel, Bio-Fuel, Hydrogen, Compressed Natural Gas, Electric, etc. On one day it might be considered the next great thing and then a few days later, some major flaw is found with this particular new form of power.
One that you'll hear about is Hydrogen power. It's what some people feel is darn near perfect, due to it's virtual lack of emissions. There are 2 forms of hydrogen powered vehicles that are being talked about and shown right now. The Hydrogen internal combustion engine powered vehicle and the Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered vehicle.
BMW has built a number of what are called Hydrogen 7 vehicles. These are based on their top tier 7 series sedan. In the back, the vehicle has a fuel tank that holds liquid hydrogen at about -414 degrees Farenheit. This vehicle also has a fuel tank for gasoline and with the simple push of a button it can be switched from gasoline to hydrogen. Truthfully when you do this during driving, you can't tell any difference.
Chevrolet on the other hand has built a few Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered Equinox SUV's. Like the BMW above, they are not for sale. These vehicles are to let people get familiar with this new technology. This Chevrolet as mentioned has a hydrogen fuel cell instead of the internal combustion engine. It replaces the conventional engine. They've tested both liquid and compressed hydrogen for the fuel source. Some would argue there are significant differences between the safety of the two different forms. We're not going to discuss that here. At this time, I haven't had a chance to drive one of the Equinox's yet, so I can't tell you what they're like.
It is possible for you to learn more about hydrogen powered vehicles in a more hands-on way and never drive either of these 2 cars. How? By owning your own Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered vehicle. In fact you can even build it in a matter of a hour or two. It's not one you can sit-in, but it will run. It's called the HRacer and it's made by Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies. You can visit their website at www.horizonfuelcell.com. Look in the educational products category and click on HRacer. The photo above has the car pictured. It also comes with your own little hydrogen manufacturing aparatus that can be solar powered or battery powered. If you're one of those people (like me) that likes to see how things actually work and/or stay up with the future, this is for you. They're working with the people at Corgi and will be introducing a hydrogen powered radio-controlled car. Check it out, it's a great project to do with the kids.
Copyright MMVIII Ed Justice, Jr.