I find it implausible that research won’t achieve price parity between h2 and gasoline. The same goes for alloys for the fuel cells themselves.

1. Just because you find it implausible, does not make it so or not so. The reality is H2 powered automobiles have reached a research dead end. They cost at least $250,000 per cell to build, because after decades of lab work, no one has found a way to make a practical cell without platinum. Also, there is no economical source of H2. H2 is not a natural resource, it is a manufactured product which requires a huge energy input.

2. If your goal is parity with gasoline, your are setting the bar too low.

My proof point is that even Toyota, Daimler and GM have given up on H2 powered cars. While using happy talk in the promotion of their H2 test fleets, none has announced any plans at all to build beyond the 200 car fleet.

nasaman says:
Henderson: “The price is still to be determined. I have a policy of pricing the vehicle when I get close to the market. I know the cost is close to 40 [thousand]“.

Good catch, nasaman. I totally missed what he was actually saying with regard to price and cost. Still I can’t help but wonder what kind of ‘cost’ he’s talking about. How loaded is that cost? Parts? Parts plus manufacturing? Parts plus manufacturing plus minimum required profit? I suspect it’s Parts plus manufacturing plus minimum required profit minus R&D but I have no idea.

Jason M. Hendler: In order to create an economically feasible hydrogen vehicle, all GM has left to do is cost reduce the Chevy Volt’s propulsion system (including control system). Once that is accomplished, their 2nd gen fuel cell with 5th gen fuel cell stack is already where they need it to be viable, so BEV advocates shouldn’t celebrate. Every step in the development of an affordable BEV / EREV is a step in the development of the plugin hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.I am relieved that GM feels they will be profitable with no more cash. GMAC, however, needs more liquidity, so that they can continue lending – different dynamic.GM should sell the first year’s Volts for whatever they can get for them. If they don’t, then the dealers will, and if all that cash is coming from the consumer anyway, I would prefer it went towards paying back government loans.  (Quote)

Jason:

You have to let this hydrogen thing go. You’ve been pushing this for years. That dog won’t hunt!

“Is it just me, or does Mr. Henderson look a lot like “The Joker” of Batman fame in this photo? He takes about as good of a photo as I do, LOL. ”

Naw. I see Eddie G. Robinson. You dirty rat!