[EM-0785]

My two bits…

With a ‘societal goal’ of zero emissions, such developments may well result in a combination of battery powered electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell powered electric vehicles. In either case the fuel source to generate electric/battery power is non-petroleum with plug in electric and fast fill hydrogen distribution, both with as much self/re-gen as achievable.

I’ve watched this with interest for a few decades. From the early days of Ballard Company (Ballard Power) and their fuel cell developments, including agreements with GM, Daimler, Ford, etc. Back then I recall seeing GM (CEO I believe) publicly announce to the effect that GM passenger vehicles would be on an all fuel cell platform within 10 years, using a common chassis design with interchangeable bodies.

They then seemed to go silent on the topic, perhaps amid infrastructure logistics and public safety perceptions, as electricity seemed to gain initial market viability/popularity. The electric car development is likely a necessary step/component in the longer-term movement toward zero emissions including hydrogen.

I’ll likely always enjoy my Cobra most, and as long as I can, even as I partake in current in use technologies. When people look concerned over my old petrol Cobra, I tell them both tongue in cheek and in all seriousness proudly that we “manage my carbon footprint”!

That’s right, we produce way less emissions than most, and have more fun doing it, including a Cobra, that’s our hybrid approach! That is, given our combination of lower emission high mileage main drivers and our less driven, fire-breathing Cobra!

They stand there pensive, looking like I’ve just rocked their world. Our low emission commitment in place gives some cred there, they have no further comeback, those carbon wasters, go figure! As I belch black smoke trying to tune my choke (I’m still ahead!). ☺

We just use our gas or hybrid vehicle, or a rental, not the full electrics, for longer planned trips. The low-e vehicles work well for daily around town use and commutes throughout the year.

Brent

(PS: All that said, petroleum fuels for autos will likely be around for some time and have their moments and development applications. Particularly in the near term as I believe there's a focus now on higher octane being less pollutive and making a come back, potential increased drilling in AK for availiability, etc. It will certainly be intersting to see the developments in auto fuel sources over time).