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AR15.COM
3/26/2005 5:47:59 AM EDT
Ok, here a thought, fuel cell tecnology takes off and EVERYONE have to drive one in cities like LA.
The only byproduct from their cumbution is water.
Will that turn that city into something like Seattle with rain and clouds all the time?
3/26/2005 5:52:32 AM EDT
[#1]
Here's your car for city driving.

www.theaircar.com/
3/26/2005 5:56:52 AM EDT
[#2]
Nothing that dramatic.  Couple of tech problems with fuel cells.

Too big
Too dangerous
Too short ranged
Still needs fuel

These problems are already being overcome.  But its still several years off before we get something that is reliable and useful as a regular car.
3/26/2005 5:59:42 AM EDT
[#3]

Quoted:
Will that turn that city into something like Seattle with rain and clouds all the time?


3/26/2005 7:06:50 AM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Will that turn that city into something like Seattle with rain and clouds all the time?








All the eco-hippies will whine that the birkenstocks are rotting form being wet all the time
3/26/2005 7:27:21 AM EDT
[#5]
I think this is a serious problem with fuel cells, all that water vapor coming out of the tailpipe.  Imagine during the winter during rush hour traffic, the heavily trafficed roads and especially intersections will be covered by a film of ice.  During the summer, the humidity levels will accellerate the rot of all of the concrete.

In general, people over-estimate the problems with the gasoline fired internal combustion engine and under-estimate the problems with the replacements.

Fuel cells would be great for household use, where weight and size are less of an issue and the water can be recirculated.  I once read an article on a NG/Propane fuel cell that was about the size of a refridgerator and could power a normal house for less than the cost of most electrical bills (leaving aside the upfront costs of buying the thing, there would be a payback period).  In a car, I don't think they'll work without being rammed down peoples throats.
3/26/2005 9:52:57 AM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
In a car, I don't think they'll work without being rammed down peoples throats.



Um, politicians aren't allowed to say "rammed down peoples throats". The correct term is "received their funding from subsidies and tax credits." Sounds much nicer that way.
3/27/2005 5:26:29 AM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Quoted:
Will that turn that city into something like Seattle with rain and clouds all the time?




All the eco-hippies will whine that the birkenstocks are rotting form being wet all the time


No, you don't get it. Seattle already has a reputation for being foggy and rainy.