>I think General Motors is trying to move their fuel base to hydrogen. The thought behind it is that Hydrogen is the most plentiful element in the on earth and therefore we won't run out or expend it all. They have a conversion process that after using the hydrogen for power, then combines it with oxygen leaving water as the only byproduct of the engine.
>
>Its actually quite interesting to see their "skate board" design since it will work for a variety of different types of vehicles from vans to passenger cars.
>
>They of course are looking to be subsidized by the government now since it aligns with Bush's push for cleaner automobiles.

Brian;

Yes, the skateboard is very interesting. I work for Toyota/General Motors and the implication of such a chassis, drive system, and fuel source is a revolution within the industry.

I heard Bush say that hydrogen fuel cells would give us independence from oil by the year 2040. I took that to mean Bush will do whatever he thinks necessary to remain an oilman and who cares about 2040?

Personally, I think the federal government should fund the research for fuel cells to make this source of fuel a reality as quickly as possible. Look at the amount of money in the latest budget proposal as funding for the fuel cell project by the federal government - $1.5 billion. In that speech the Administration stated we would have independence from oil by the year 2015. GM is talking about 2010.

Then look at the cost of war in Afghanistan and Iraqi. Gaining independence from oil will free us from ties to the Middle East as a source of fuel. That may bring on new consequences when the Arab world is starving and attempts to destroy us for not contributing to their economy through the purchase of oil.

I am sure that when we have hydrogen fuel cells environmentalists through their attorneys will still sue who ever they can. In this case it will be for water droplets left on the streets and hiways of America and evaporated into the atmosphere.

Imagine what will happen to Smog Stations? They will cease to exist! Never fear our local government will think of something such as checking how many water droplets your car releases per gallon of fuel. It will be like our present smog check requirement in California.

Standard Oil will own all water rights in the United States. :)


Tom