FCV morning commute convoy

[botsapper]

Commuter morning, saw a convoy of three Hyundai Tucson FCVs. Also the world's first mass-produced fuel cell vehicle available in the US. The Tucson Fuel Cell is only available as a 3-yr lease, $3K down and $499 a month, the state might still have rebates on it.
The fuel cell system makes its electricity from an electro-chemical reaction between hydrogen and air. Hydrogen in high-pressure tanks pass through a membrane that strips away their electrons, creating the electricity to power the 134-hp AC drive motor. Water vapor comes out of the pipe. The Tucson takes about ten minutes to fill its two 10,000 psi rated hydrogen tanks. It has a claimed 265-mile range but it is still very difficult to live with because of the limited hydrogen filling stations.
Where I LA-LA live, Hyundai is based here and they do have a convenient hydrogen filling station.

[wheelbender6]

Very cool. To my knowledge, I have never seen a FCV on the public roads in Texas.

[Stubby79]

Fuel cell + battery plug-in FTW ?
I'd love an "all-electric" with optional unlimited range. I'd probably only fill it up a couple of times a year, which is exactly why I'd like it to be plug-in.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Stubby79

Fuel cell + battery plug-in FTW ?
I'd love an "all-electric" with optional unlimited range.

Hardly unlimited range, since you're pretty well stuck to places where there are hydrogen filling stations. Which last I saw was only around downtown LA. At least with pure EVs, you might be able to find someone with an extension cord...

[botsapper]

In 2007, 'Governator' Arnold Schwarzenegger initiated the California Hydrogen Highway program, it created a public/private partnership to open hydrogen filling stations throughout the state. The California Air Resources Board and California Energy Commission partnered with six private sector companies; Ballard Power Systems, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, BP, Shell Hydrogen and Chevron-Texaco to be the basis of the California Fuel Cell Partnership. Very urban-centric locations of the hydrogen suppliers.

Stations Map | California Fuel Cell Partnership

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hAlsGtrJrY

[UltArc]

I hate that they can claim first mass produced. Honda would have sold more than 50 in their six years of production if there were more than five stations (~) available.

Decent article here: Surprise Costs Have A Cost: Why we turned down the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell - Autoblog