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Hyundai Tucson fuel cell vehicle early driver experiences

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Ashlem, May 14, 2015.

  1. Ashlem

    Ashlem Senior Member

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    Since the Toyota Mirai isn't out just yet, this was an interesting look into how practical fuel cell vehicles are to people who have driven them. In this case, a Hyundai Tucson fuel cell vehicle.

    Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell: Early Drivers Discuss Experiences Traveling On Hydrogen

    Without quoting the entire article, here's some key takeaways:

    - Fueling up took an average of closer to 10 minutes. Though he lived near three stations, he often filled up while still having 1/2 or 3/4 of a tank due to the unreliability of filling stations at times.

    - He liked driving an SUV such as high seating position and room for trips, though lamented its weak highway performance.

    - Liked the quiet driving FCV offered, said he probably wouldn't go back to a gas car again.

    - Wouldn't buy an FCV right now, but sees their potential in future generations.

    So, what are your thoughts?
     
    #1 Ashlem, May 14, 2015
  2. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    #2 fotomoto, May 14, 2015
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    • Hydrogen Fool Cells - hydrogen is the intractable problem.
      • On-car hydrogen formation makes sense because the carrier can be much denser than H{2} and easily handled: CH{4}, CH{3}OH, NH{3} (my favorite).
      • In-car efficiency, ~60%, is poor.
      • Better than engine-only cars.
    • Batteries - existing technology already exceeds 200 miles.
      • The 'funny' 80 mile range of affordable ones suggests an external forcing function.
      • Recharging overnight is easily understood.
      • Home-to-car-to-home is an obvious enhancement.
      • Battery chemistries continue to expand
    If it weren't for the high-pressure storage of hydrogen gas, I would be more positive. Hydrogen gas is a terrible battery fuel making sense in a few, extreme applications.

    In contrast, battery chemistries have yet to reach a hard limit. IMHO, primary cells, especially air-metal, offer good range potential and use of benign materials compared to hydrogen.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #3 bwilson4web, May 14, 2015
    Last edited: May 14, 2015
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    agreed, it's foolish to make this about the auto or driving experience. that's where auto writers get it wrong.
     
    #4 bisco, May 14, 2015
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  5. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    With the (theoretical potential non-lease) cost of the hydrogen car - desire to want to avoid not being able to fill-up on long journeys far away from home, wanting more power, willing to pay & afford a $75,000 vehicle, and not wanting to go back to ICE, it sounds like their next ride will be a Model S Tesla.
    ;)
    .
     
    #5 hill, May 15, 2015
    Last edited: May 16, 2015
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    'it didn't explode, so, we are very happy.'
     
    #6 bisco, May 15, 2015
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