The Great Hydrogen Debate

Imagine zipping down the highway in your fancy new car and instead of a trail of smoggy exhaust pluming from the tail end, your vehicle only released some hot air and water. While the idea of your car releasing some hot gas may cause you to be the butt of a few jokes, (okay, sorry to make a lame one here) it certainly would be a revolution step toward an ethical globalization consumption reduction of gas emissions.For those of you up to date on the latest in automotive technology, you probably already know that such cars are already in production and being driven (albeit by a select few) in California and Japan. However, as with any developing technology, there are both those for it and those opposed; let us take a look at both sides of the argument.

First, a little chemistry background on hydrogen.Hydrogen is the most basic element, consisting of a single
proton.It is also the most abundant gas in not only the world, but the entire universe, and it holds the
greatest potential for energy. When a hydrogen fuel cell is put into use, three things are created: energy,
water, and hot air. These fuel cells then work as a sort of battery, powering cars and other devices through a chemical reaction rather than the combustion of standard vehicles running on gas. Those for the further development of this science boast that with no negative emissions, we are well on our way to solving a major player in global warming, and also the dependence on oil and other elements. In fact, NASA has been using this technology for awhile to power their shuttles.

The major drawback of hydrogen fuel is cost. This technology is extremely expensive, and as the limited amount of vehicles are produced, the refueling of them presents its own challenges. Fueling a hydrogen powered car far surpasses the cost of a regular car, and these hydrogen fueling stations are in limited supply. Critics note that while these cars are both efficient and clean-burning, they simply aren't economical or realistic.The average citizen would never be able to afford such a car, and even if they did, they would further be burdened by the amount of money it would take to simply keep the car running. Others note that hydrogen is highly reactive and unsafe to have surrounding the general population. Hydrogen also has the tendency to leak, regardless of any measures to keep it contained and fully sealed.

While it is still a ways off before these cars may actually be in wide dispersion, I for one think it is an
intriguing concept to continue to explore. In all that science and man has been able to create and achieve, I find it hard pressed that making these vehicles as safe as the ones on the road today couldn't be possible.For those saying that constant contact with hydrogen isn't safe enough, I urge them to consider the fact that as with many things, including cars today, the biggest hazard is the person behind the wheel. I do feel that the financial aspect will be a big hurdle to clear; yet who knows what the future holds down the line. Again, with further developments the price of production may be significantly reduced. Cars that further demonstrate an ethical globalization standard are not ideas to be cast aside or tsk-tsked away lightly considering our current environmental condition.What do you think? Weigh in whether you are for or against, as we'd love to hear your thoughts!

Photo Credit: digitalworldtokyo