Like everyone else, I’ve always dreaded receiving my credit card bill each month, but I find lately I dread it even more. With the price of gas continually rising, filling the gas tanks in our cars is about to drain us. We do all we can to conserve gas, but we still must get to work – and my husband has a 1-1/2 hour drive each morning and each afternoon. What can I say? The gas companies love us!
That alone makes the idea of alternative fuels something I can get excited about. However, the more I learn about alternative fuels, the more I get excited – and not just for selfish reasons. Sure, I’d like to save the money, but in all honesty, I’m also interested in the other benefits as well: for our health, for the vehicle, for the United States and for the planet.
For our health
While researching fuel cells, I found some interesting data on the Fuel Cells 2000 website. There are over 113 million Americans who live in urban areas who are suffering from severe air pollution. According to the World Bank, over 700,000 deaths per year result in this air pollution. I was appalled to read that, “For every gallon of gasoline manufactured, distributed, and then consumed in a vehicle, roughly 25 pounds of carbon dioxide are released.” However, fuel cell vehicles using hydrogen will have zero emissions!
For the vehicle
The website goes on to say, “Because fuel cell vehicles operate with electric motors, which have very few moving parts, vehicle vibrations and noise will be vastly reduced and routine maintenance (oil changes, spark plug replacement) will be eliminated.” (This in itself can save the consumer money!)
For the United States
We all know that by using fuel cells, the U.S. will eventually decrease its reliance on foreign fossil fuels, which will increase our national energy security. But that’s not the only advantage. It will also reduce international tensions due to competition for limited fossil fuel resources.
For the planet
The website also explains, “Fuel cells will reduce local air and noise pollution, groundwater contamination, and improve public health and safety from reduced exposure to fuel and emissions danger.”
Fuel cell cars
In continuing my research, I learned about Honda’s FCX Clarity – as they tout it, “The Zero-Emission Sedan of the Future.” According to Honda’s website, “The FCX Clarity is twice as efficient as a hybrid-electric vehicle and three times more efficient than a conventional gasoline vehicle.”
This four-passenger sedan is extremely stylish, has a driving range of approximately 270 miles, and the hood, trunk and fenders are “crafted with aluminum to lighten the load and increase efficiency.”
Although the FCX Clarity is “ready for the road,” only a limited number will be leased in Southern California beginning this summer. The reason for the limitation? You have to be able to refuel it – these cars don’t run on gasoline, so you can’t stop just anywhere to fill up. “Therefore, only customers currently residing in the Torrance, Santa Monica and Irvine areas who meet additional qualification criteria will be eligible to take an FCX Clarity home. Honda wants to ensure that FCX Clarity drivers will be able to take their vehicles in for service at participating dealers and have convenient access to refueling stations.”
On Chevy’s website, I read about a test fleet of hydrogen-powered fuel cell Equinox SUVs. “This fleet hit the streets of New York City, Washington, D.C. and Southern California. ‘Project Driveway’ is the first large-scale market test of fuel cell vehicles with real drivers in the real world.
“The Equinox Fuel Cell will go nearly 150 miles per fill-up and can reach a top speed of 100 mph. Green Car Journal has given the Chevy Equinox Fuel Cell its Green Car Vision Award®.”
What does it all mean?
After doing this research I feel much better about the future…not only the future of my wallet, but also the future of our health, our vehicles, the U.S. and the planet. Yes, we do have a long road ahead of us, but we sure have come a long way!
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