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Prius envy (this time I'm the envious one...)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by orenf, May 29, 2008.

  1. orenf

    orenf New Member

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    I was going east on HWY1 this morning (that's Vancouver HWY1) when I was passed by what seemed like a Ford Focus. The car was emitting white vapors from its exhaust, and was covered with stickers/paint declaring it to be a hydrogen fuel cell experimental vehicle.

    I can only assume the white vapor was water, as advertised...

    Sure would be nice if/when this becomes a reality (only a few "minor" technical issues to resolve, right? Hydrogen production, storage, delivery, etc...)

    I think it was one of the vehicles taking part in this program - Vancouver Fuel Cell Vehicle Program - Demonstrating Leadership
     
  2. wchardin

    wchardin Senior Member

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    Is it just me or does it seem odd that it would have a trail of white vapor? I know that it emits water as a form of exhaust, but it imagine a car with a cloud of white vapor coming out of its tailpipe seems weird. I would like to see it. Would you get the white vapor only with hard acceleration or all the time. Very interesting... at least I think.
     
  3. MagneticGrayIndy

    MagneticGrayIndy 06Prius;94M Miata;65Rambler770

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    actually.. they can make hydrogen with water and electricity.. combine that system with fuel cells and man! it's just that the equipment is so new, it's ultra expensive.. but it may well be a serious option soon
     
  4. Sheepdog

    Sheepdog C'Mere Sheepie!

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    why does hydrogen in a car make me think of the HIndenburg?
     
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    There are 5 of them and are based our of the NRC building at UBC. I've seen all 5 cars (nicely labelled lol but it took me several years to spot the elusive car #3). Also, they have, on display, the original Ford P2000 hydrogen fuel cell car (based on the Ford Contour) inside the NRC building at UBC.
     
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Hydrogen is not anywhere near ready for mainstream. Most people, that understand the implications of a sustainable hydrogen future, agree that we are at least 20-30yrs away from doing it the right way. That means "creating" hydrogen in an efficient and non-polluting manner and setting up the proper infrastructure for widespread use.

    I truely hope these guys are wrong but I tend to agree with them.
     
  7. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Fortunately, the body parts of a modern automobile are not as flammable as the tarp of a dirigible.
     
  8. orenf

    orenf New Member

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    Well, that was the first time I was impressed by a Focus...
     
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    LOL.

    Oh and also Zach has a feature on it on Driving Television.
     
  10. 928Quest

    928Quest Junior Member

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    Any amount of visible vapor probably indicates that it was having problems. I think Hydrogen is still-born.

    Electrics are likely the right path since we already have infra-structures to support them.