Is President Bush a proponent of Hydrogen fuel cells because even though the technology is here, it is light?

Question

years away from replacing oil and gas (and ethanol)? The electric car that was popular in California (the EV-1) was killed by GM, the oil industry and the Bush Administration because big oil could not control the profits for the energy used by electric cars. It was the perfect car for commuter traffic.

Answer 1

Nice conspiracy.  The EV-1 wasn't killed because Big Oil and GM couldn't control profits for the energy.

It was killed because the technology benefit didn't outweigh the cost.  Where do you imagine the electricity comes from to charge the EV1?  Unless you have your own windmill turbine/generator, it comes from enegry companies.

The technology for battery powered vehicles just isn't ready for primetime.  As long as we don't have a way to get an immediate charge/ fill up, it is not a good idea for commuters.  Can you imagine what happens if you get stuck in traffic and run out of juice?  You need a tow.

Battery powered electric vehicles that need a plug in recharge will just never be very practial.  Practical vehicles require a quick and reliable method to refuel/recharge.

Relating this back to the assertion that big oil and GM killed the EV1.  Again, GM would be very interested in marketing the first consumer model electric or non-fossil fuel vehicle.  Big oil would be hurt if we switched off their teet....but again, the elecricity in your outlets doesn't get made by pixie dust.  it is made from petrolium/coal/nuclear/etc.

I would be very interested to see a benefit analysis to see what causes the most harm....creating and distributing the energy to recharge an EV, or running on regular gas.

Answer 2

It's cool to support anything that is unfeasible within your presidency.  because of course you can make promises that dont require financial backing.

Answer 3

It wasn't killed because of the Bush administration or oil companies. Give me a break! Loser!

Answer 4

Isn't that funny, I was JUST having this conversation with a friend of mine. I have known about ambient energy sources for quite some time, now and I have wondered when Ford said that we would have a Ballard cell vehicle out in 2002, was this going to come to fruition at last? It is 5 years hence and this magnificent vehicle that would produce a tub full of potable water on a cross country trip still hasn't been seen.

Yes, the harvesters of fossil fuel have MUCH to do about this. I worked in the oil industry and when discussions about the Fuel Cell came up they were angry and tense. A lot of people will be put out of work if they shut down the wells and stop drilling for oil. There is a 'new accountability' arrangement where they have to replace what they take. They force water back into the pockets where oil has been drawn. (I really think this could create a 'wobbly' effect on the axis, being that water is lighter than crude.) Have you ever had one of those beach balls from KFC? There is a little reservoir in them that you fill with water and when you throw the ball, the little pocket of water throws it completely off kilter.

Yeah, it is a long way off until people come to realize that that technology exists and it should be (if only for the sake of global warming) in our hands NOW. It makes way more economic and environmental sense.

They are more afraid of this technology because it translates into BILLIONS of dollars lost. Once the fuel cell becomes a common place technology it will prove to have many other independent applications. Heating our homes, running our appliances, etc. It even has a global effect in that it could eliminate poverty. Farmers in third world countries wouldn't have to pay for fossil fuel to run equipment, people would not have to freeze to death in winter because they can't pay fuel bills....Enzyme...it goes on and on...

Answer 5

Ridiculous. Electric cars have not been successful simply because they suck. I worked for an electric utility company and we tried them. They just have not been cost effective, and their range is too small. All this c**p about GM and Oil ompanies killing it is just bull c**p for idiots to to follow with the idiot herd. I know many investors that would love to get rich on any electric car that could perform even close to other cars. They just do not, and so people don't buy them.