[BuckRogers]

While this is interesting, it doesn't change my opinion that the future is electric, not hydrogen fuel cell. Not only for the way hydrogen is extracted but the complexity of the technology. These set of blogs[0] are by a non-expert, but explain well why it's actually more complex than the ICE and inferior to electric. Highly recommended reading for laymen like myself who want a view at the technology from a common sense standpoint.

My personal view outside of the needless complexity and lack of fueling stations, is that it's conveniently a way to ensure automakers keep us reliant on their expertise to repair and build these vehicles. Rather than the mechanical simplicity thus commodities that electrics are becoming.

As well, having China onboard with electrics ensures its future. It's mainly the Japanese and some US companies that want to push HFC. If electrics win out (and they more than likely will), everyone (including Apple) will be selling cars because it'll be mostly a software game.

I'm very much looking forward to the Tesla Model 3 reveal and putting down my preorder. Strangely enough it feels like this is going to be one of those breakthrough products for me. Alongside my Commodore did in 1986, 3dfx Voodoo card did in 1996, and the upcoming SteamVR (HTC Vive).

Great time to be alive.

[0]http://ssj3gohan.tweakblogs.net/blog/11470/why-fuel-cell-car...

[mikeash]

I agree that batteries look to be way superior, and I don't see any point in hydrogen. I especially don't understand why companies like Toyota are pushing it.

However, it's good to have alternatives. Maybe some big breakthrough will suddenly turn hydrogen into the better alternative. (This is not that breakthrough, to be sure.) So even if electric is better, I'm glad to see research like this.

I disagree that electric will mean cars are mostly a software game. Exterior look, interior accommodations, and driving dynamics still count for a lot.

[the8472]

Fuel cells aren't just about cars.

[toomuchtodo]

What are they about then? Stationary applications? Which can be served with station battery packs charged with renewables?

[the8472]

Battery storage capacity is limited by the battery device itself and is subject to various kinds of decay over time.

Fuel cells on the other hand are the only high-tech component in the system while the hydrogen can be stored in bulk.

Certainly, hydrogen storage does have its own difficulties, but they don't require nanomaterials or precious metals to solve.

The only batteries that provide similar properties are redox flow batteries, which happen to be quite similar to fuel cells.

[mrfusion]

But why can't fuel cells be used as simply another type of battery? Can you simply run them in reverse to generate h2? So you'd just give them a source of water and plug them into the wall? What am I missing?