Electric cars

[crublue1]

Potentially yes, hydrogen is the eventual future for our energy needs, the technology already exists and can be molded to our current societal infrastructure. The issues surround creating it in the first place. Hydrogen in and of itself isn't zero emission either sadly (burning it gives off nitrous oxide, a much denser greenhouse gas) so we'd have to focus on 'green' hydrogen through electrolysis, which is an energy sapping procedure in order to create it to be used in HFC cars.

Only something like a nuclear power station could be feasible argued to generate the required energy to create green H2 without a loss on other energy requirements as, although solar and wind can do it, the amount of energy required is massive or not cost productive.

That's a great post, always happy to be educated.
I must be honest I thought that hydrogen was clean burn, only producing water. Obviously I haven't researched enough!
What I do feel is that batteries haven't really had a massive step in improvement in recent years, they would have to be half the weight, or produce twice the output than they currently do to be viable. Not to mention the charging problems, and the strain on the already stretched grid if everyone jumped on board.
Given that history shows evolution rather than revolution regarding battery cells, I find it interesting that we await this breakthrough whilst knowing that it really isn't about to happen.
The hydrogen option I feel is more likely to produce a clever solution going forward. I base this on gut feel more than practical knowledge though.

 

[Pearceman]

self charging hybrids, worth it or not? I have a big lump of a diesel due to be replaced in september, dont do anywhere near the miles I envisaged when I bought it so it seems sensible to look at alternatives, I find my previously cynical head is being turned. Plug in anything isnt an option for me so .....

We had a hybrid auris for a few years, slow and boring/relaxing to drive but very comfortable, reliable and did over 60 mpg, we loved it. No good if you 'enjoy' driving, but great otherwise imo.

 

[flook]

We had a hybrid auris for a few years, slow and boring/relaxing to drive but very comfortable, reliable and did over 60 mpg, we loved it. No good if you 'enjoy' driving, but great otherwise imo.

thanks, I'm too old and crumbly to enjoy driving these days, plus every road within a radius of 10 miles of me seems to have cones and a hole in it. I'm quite tempted by the Toymotor CH-R thing I must confess

 

[Blue Mist]

Re Hydrogen. A company called AFC Energy are already supplying hydrogen for vehicles on large sites etc. So it may not be too far fetched that soon it overtakes electric.

 

[Kompany Car]

Potentially yes, hydrogen is the eventual future for our energy needs, the technology already exists and can be molded to our current societal infrastructure. The issues surround creating it in the first place. Hydrogen in and of itself isn't zero emission either sadly (burning it gives off nitrous oxide, a much denser greenhouse gas) so we'd have to focus on 'green' hydrogen through electrolysis, which is an energy sapping procedure in order to create it to be used in HFC cars.

Only something like a nuclear power station could be feasible argued to generate the required energy to create green H2 without a loss on other energy requirements as, although solar and wind can do it, the amount of energy required is massive or not cost productive.

So what you're saying is if we can sort the nitrous oxide out, we'll be laughing ;-)

 

[ganganvince]

Potentially yes, hydrogen is the eventual future for our energy needs, the technology already exists and can be molded to our current societal infrastructure. The issues surround creating it in the first place. Hydrogen in and of itself isn't zero emission either sadly (burning it gives off nitrous oxide, a much denser greenhouse gas) so we'd have to focus on 'green' hydrogen through electrolysis, which is an energy sapping procedure in order to create it to be used in HFC cars.

Only something like a nuclear power station could be feasible argued to generate the required energy to create green H2 without a loss on other energy requirements as, although solar and wind can do it, the amount of energy required is massive or not cost productive.

The NOX emissions are only when mixed with natural gas mainly for industrial purposes when burning pure H2 only emissions are water and heat.

 

[Kompany Car]

That's a great post, always happy to be educated.
I must be honest I thought that hydrogen was clean burn, only producing water. Obviously I haven't researched enough!
What I do feel is that batteries haven't really had a massive step in improvement in recent years, they would have to be half the weight, or produce twice the output than they currently do to be viable. Not to mention the charging problems, and the strain on the already stretched grid if everyone jumped on board.
Given that history shows evolution rather than revolution regarding battery cells, I find it interesting that we await this breakthrough whilst knowing that it really isn't about to happen.
The hydrogen option I feel is more likely to produce a clever solution going forward. I base this on gut feel more than practical knowledge though.

Just to clarify (be interest on @Metal Biker thoughts).

You are correct that combustion of hydrogen produces water, the NOx is due to the abundance of nitrogen in the air and the flame temperature when it is burnt. Its effectively a by product of any high temperature combustion (more than 1350 deg C) in the presence of air.

Of course this is not an issue if hydrogen is used in a fuel cell rather than burnt.

 

[Metal Biker]

Just to clarify (be interest on @Metal Biker thoughts).

You are correct that combustion of hydrogen produces water, the NOx is due to the abundance of nitrogen in the air and the flame temperature when it is burnt. Its effectively a by product of any high temperature combustion (more than 1350 deg C) in the presence of air.

Of course this is not an issue if hydrogen is used in a fuel cell rather than burnt.

In fairness, I do mention that when I talk about HFC's

 

[Metal Biker]

The NOX emissions are only when mixed with natural gas mainly for industrial purposes when burning pure H2 only emissions are water and heat.

Thanks for that clarification. I was wondering what the exact premise was.

 

[Silva2021]

The infrastructure is in question, but I took my EV for a software up-date today.

Got a pretty decent loan car for the day, but hated driving it.

An EV is such a pleasure to drive, that others feel old fashioned.