Cars, no but trucks, probably yes with the difference being that hydrogen is expensive to generate, transport and store in a non industrial setting. There are already businesses in existence that fuel industrial trucks in an industrial setting. Every Amazon and Whole Foods warehouse uses them. These businesses are profitable (or will be soon). Hydrogen is trucked to these locations. Nikola's model will generate the hydrogen at the location where it will be dispensed thus eliminating the transport costs. IF the man can get his 4¢/kWh.
Just as the first BEV explosion/fire brought an end to BEVs?
Actually, modern composite hydrogen tanks in fuel cell vehicles is the safest form of energy storage. Safer than gasoline, diesel, propane, and yes, even BEV's. That will change when solid state batteries become available, but today hydrogen is by far the safest. The tanks are so tough that they won't rupture in any crash in which a human could survive. And if they do rupture, the hydrogen vents at a very fast rate and then climbs into the air faster than any other gas. If a gasoline, diesel, or propane tank rupture, they all spill to the ground and are far more hazardous.The general public still thinks about the Hindenburg whenever the hydrogen word is spoken. The first serious collision involving a hydrogen powered car where the tank ruptures, explodes and kills its occupants AND receives major media coverage will be the death of hydrogen powered cars in this country.
Well said. It would seem that getting hydrogen set up along long-haul routes for big trucks would be an easier sell and fast fuel-ups would be a bigger deal. I'm all for cleaner air but I don't think I would bother with a hydrogen vehicle. I mean, we "fuel" up the MY at our house almost exclusively. Why would I want a vehicle that I have to go somewhere else to fuel up?
And I surely wish I had done so just before the warrants hit! Now I'm wondering if I shouldn't buy some (long).
You wouldn't but most people take their cars on a trip at least occasionally. But I suspect that perhaps you may be missing the point that you don't have to take the Badger elsewhere to charge it. You will do that at home with your Level 2 charger. Of course there is still no point in paying for the hydrogen technology which is only of benefit on long trips if you never go on long trips. I've seen posts here by Tesla owners who have never been to a Super Charger.
Sure, anyone can find an accident that injured someone.
Yes batteries explode but usually doesn't take out the neighborhood. But that isn't my big reluctance with hydrogen. Does anyone know how long fuel cell lasts in a vehicle?
I linked to a battery taking out the neighborhood.
Well yes you did link to a battery factory that burned, but that a bit apples to oranges on a battery vs hydrogen tank explosion. Here I link you to a hydrogen factory explosion. ?
