How to Drive With Hydrogen

The hydrogen car is one vehicle automakers are developing to reduce the United States' need for foreign oil. This car relies on hydrogen instead of gasoline for fuel. It produces heat and water as byproducts, eliminating harmful exhaust. Hydrogen cars are controversial because of the expense of owning one and practical concerns about fueling. Driving with hydrogen is currently a challenge since the infrastructure is not yet in place to support convenient refueling.

Instructions

1. Contract a car manufacturer to inquire if the company has hydrogen cars available to test or lease. Daimler, Ford, Toyota, Honda and General Motors have all developed hydrogen models. California has been a common location for hydrogen car testing so residents of this state may be most likely to join the testing phase of hydrogen cars not yet on the market. Persistence is key and you will likely need to go on a waiting list.

2. Pick up your car and sign all related confidentiality agreements and other paperwork. Since retailers don't provide hydrogen fuel stations, you will need to establish where and when you can fill your car's fuel tank.

3. Drive the car as you would any traditional automobile, refueling approximately every 160 miles unless you have a hydrogen-electric hybrid. You must regularly report to the car company about your driving experience, especially if you have an accident or encounter any maintenance problems.

References

• Nano Werk: Nanotechnology Could Clean Up the Hydrogen Car's Dirty Little Secret
• Business Green: Auto Giants Unite for Hydrogen Drive
• Drive Clean: Hydrogen Fuel Cell
• Talking About Green: Environmentally Friendly Cars -- How to Drive Green
• Popular Mechanics: In Gas-to-Hydrogen Switch, Forget Ponies and Embrace Silence

Resources

• Hy-Speed Racing: Hydrogen Vehicle List