Honda is introducing its first hydrogen-fueled FCEV in Japan: the Honda
Clarity, which uses an advanced Fuel Cell and stores hydrogen as compressed
gas. It uses hydrogen and air to create electricity, leaving water vapor as
the exhaust; but it also has ample batteries and a high cost - about $ 60k
expected.
Deliveries are to start in Japan next spring and California soon after,
which is developing infrastructure. There are currently a few hydrogen
stations in the SF Bay area, and more are promised - but Tesla is not
impressed with this threat. and is a bit indignant, it would seem.
Elon Musk had some choice words to share when asked about FCEVs:
"They're mind-bogglingly stupid. You can't even have a sensible debate."
"Consider the whole fuel cell system against a Model S. It's far worse
in volume and mass terms, and far, far, worse in cost. And I haven't even
talked about hydrogen being so hard to handle."
"Success is simply not possible."
My prediction is that Elon, genius that he is, will eat crow on this one.
There is room for both, and success in probably guaranteed for FCEVs in
places like Japan.
The actual environmental footprint, according to experts not employed by
Tesla is smaller for FCEVs than EVs. At least when both electricity and
hydrogen are made from natural gas, the FCEV will release 20% less CO2 for
the same amount of miles driven. (this includes distribution losses).
In fact, Elon is mind-bogglingly stupid if he fails to realize that a large
proportion of his customer base are in fact idealists who demand the lowest
environmental footprint no matter what. They do not buy Teslas to save money
and many will prefer a 3 minute hydrogen refill to the 8 hour recharge.
which means swapping the EV for more Clarity. Elon is no fool, of course.
His remarks are within a time frame, based on favorable assumptions..
. which of course, is rooftop solar power with battery storage. This will
change emission realities in favor of the EV. and in fact, Elon is probably
hoping that by getting into home solar power in a big way, he can maintain
the high road wrt the ecology, and with EVs being a fringe benefit. But in
the end, there is still room for both the EV and the FCEV.
Moreover, the long-shot which is LENR could shift the eco-dynamics the other
way, and many here have appreciated the functional similarity between FC and
LENR reactor. An LENR enhanced fuel cell would split water in situ in a
closed cycle . or else with direct conversion to electricity, would
eliminate water splitting entirely - but how many years out is that, if
ever?
In the meantime, we need Clarity.
Jones
