Reply #11: I am not in favor of coal powered, "fuel cell" cars. [View All]

[gbwarming]

The hydrogen infrastructure you are asking for will result in greater emissions from coal fired powered plants, either directly if the H2 is produced via electrolysis or indirectly if natural gas usage is shifted away from electricity generation to H2 production. There is no excess renewable capacity for the foreseeable future and there is no excess natural gas capacity. There are no new nuclear plants on the horizon and no new hydroelectric sources to be tapped.

Fuel cells are great - they can have very beneficial effects as replacements as conventional and backup power generation, but I agree with the OP. Fuel cells for automotive use are a delaying tactic. It's a good idea to continue research, but real benefits can be had NOW through:
1. Increased cafe standards, including elimination of separate standards for light trucks and personal vehicles over 8500gvrw which have been exploited by automakers to circumvent even the stalled standards we now have. Hybrids are one way to reach these, but so are more reasonable engine choices.
2. Possibly much higher gasoline and diesel taxes
3. Incentives for scrapping guzzlers (when replaced by economical vehicles). Increased fuel taxes might have the same effect.

The culture and urban planning has to change in the long run or we will again lose through increased population and vehicle miles traveled whatever we gain in efficiency.