SCI/TECH: Funding for Fuel Cell Cars

The U.S. Department of Energy announced partnerships worth $158 million with two car manufacturers aimed at fostering technology development and raising public awareness of fuel cell vehicles. Both companies will develop demonstration fleets to help in this effort. The DOE is also working with energy companies to discover and correct problems delaying the widespread use fuel cell vehicles. In a separate agreement Shell Hydrogen will establish five hydrogen refueling stations between Washington D.C., and New York City.



This announcement could be timed as the result of the climbing gas cost in the country. Many Americans are clamoring for fuel taxes to be reduced or new oil resources to be established, and some are even looking into alternative technology to solve the problems. For many Americans, the purchase price for one of these vehicles, even with government subsidizing, is too expensive.

These types of programs may help raise the awareness of these vehicles, and spur some companies to speed up the process of research and development. But, shouldn’t the market drive these private companies to do this on their own?

If we are really going to reduce our dependence on oil, it will come from the consumer, not the DOE. If gas gets to $3 or $4 a gallon, then hopefully we will see some real progress.


[edit on 3/30/05 by NoPhobos]

[edit on 3/30/05 by NoPhobos]

[edit on 3/30/05 by NoPhobos]

These types of programs may help raise the awareness of these vehicles, and spur some companies to speed up the process of research and development. But, shouldn’t the market drive these private companies to do this on their own?

Everything helps, and I applaud the DOE for getting involved. Here are a few more links you might find interesting.

www.pbs.org...

and

www.skywindpower.com...