CONSIDER THE ALTERNATIVES

摘要

Fuel-cell vehicles run on hydrogen gas, the most abundant element in the universe. The fuel cell, which chemically converts hydrogen to electricity (with wa ter as a byproduct), has the potential to eventually re place the internal-combustion engine, because it's far more than just the best environmental choice. The reason the auto industry is spending billions of dollars on fu el cells is because it sees the potential for a much better car than internal combustion can deliver, with improved performance, fuel economy, range and emissions, too. The most optimistic predictions see us driving fuel-cell cars by 2015 or 2020, though skeptics such as Joseph Romm, author of The Hype About Hydrogen (Island Press), think it might take longer. General Motors has said it will have a production-ready fuel cell vehicle in place by 2010. Honda is a significant contender in the fuel cell race, and has made the most progress with cold starting and general drivability. Honda has lent its FCX fuel cell vehicles to journalists and to average drivers as part of a testing program. The next generation of the FCX will reportedly have a 340 mile range.