The fact that the average US national gasoline price was $1.54 in 2004 and will soon reach $3 is enough to prick the sleeping giants who’re sucking this planet the most in the name of growth. It’s high time we understand the importance of alternative fuel technologies like Biodiesel, Electric and Hybrid is the future. The positive mindset has ultimately fuelled the sale of hybrid vehicles such as Toyota Prius. Moving further the New York City has introduced hybrid cabs, even army is moving ahead to imbibe hybrid vehicles.



But the most striking contribution can really be made by the hydrogen fuel cell. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has already laid the foundation of a hydrogen highway by 2010 under the Hydrogen Highway Bill. Though, right now, hydrogen vehicles are not commercially available, Mazda has triggered the race with its latest hydrogen/gasoline powered RX-8 Hydrogen RE.



But the question of cost efficiency too looms with the development of these technologies as a hybrid vehicle normally cost around $3,500 more. Also the lackadaisical battery performance is also taking the toll and has slowed down the development process towards attainment of a perfect hybrid vehicle. Even bio-diesel is a viable option but it cannot beat the hydrogen fuel cell. If now, we’ve to move further, hydrogen storage problem has to be sorted out along with cost effectiveness.



Via: shortflip