ANN ARBOR, Michigan - Not long ago, it looked like fuel cells might be headed for the home stretch. Nearly all of the major manufacturers had been developing vehicles that ran on hydrogen fuel cells. No one appeared to have an answer to the question of a fuel-source infrastructure, comparable to the way we get gasoline for conventional cars. But even that obstacle looked like it could, and would, be overcome.
Today, even though a number of cars powered by hydrogen are in operation, and development work continues, the prospect of their reaching anything approaching mainstream status may be further off than we thought. Fuel-cell cars, like battery-powered electric vehicles, are still limited in terms of operating range. So, the need for that hydrogen-station infrastructure is even more stringent. Yet, few detailed, tangible proposals have been put forth to begin setting up any kind of dealer network.
Too bad, because the vehicles themselves are intriguing and compelling. Each time we at Tirekicking Today have slipped behind the wheel of a hydrogen-powered automobile, it's been a rewarding experience. Several years ago, for instance, we had an opportunity to drive Honda's FCX, both around Manhattan in New York and on various terrains in southern California. At the time, Honda was beginning to provide several FCX models to government agencies. Refueling of the experimental FCX cars was taking place at Honda headquarters in Torrance, California, and also at mobile fueling stations.
Most recently, in mid-June of 2006, we were able to take a fuel-cell car developed by DaimlerChrysler out on the road. Based on a Mercedes-Benz A-Class (a compact hatchback wagon sold in Europe, but not in the U.S.), the fuel-cell model looks like a conventional passenger car - except for big "POLICE" lettering on its bodysides. This is an experimental vehicle, after all, and therefore not tuned strictly into customary restrictions.
Except for taking a few extra seconds and running through a several-step routine, compared to a conventional automobile, the start-up process isn't irksome at all. It's easily learned. You simply turn the ignition key in the normal manner, then wait until the indicator rises to 100 percent and the "Max Power" gauge switches from red to green. Don't be surprised by a few knocking sounds, followed by a long whine, soon after the key is turned. Then, step on the accelerator pedal and you're off.
Out on the road, the hydrogen A-Class wagon behaves basically like any vehicle in its class. Because it's a Mercedes, solid construction is evident despite the experimental powertrain attributes. You hear whistles and whines when starting off and slowing down - especially when Regenerative braking is engaged, which is done by moving the gearshift lever to the left until a "G" appears in the dashboard display. Otherwise, once you get rolling, it's simply a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Acceleration isn't bad from a standstill, but leisurely at higher speeds. Everything is utterly smooth and linear. Sound occurs when pushing on the pedal at highway speed, but it's not annoying in any way. There's enough power to pass and merge readily enough - provided prudent care is taken. At highway velocities, it's easy to forget that you're driving anything unusual.
A fillup gives this A-Class wagon about 1.8 kilograms of hydrogen. That's enough to travel about 100 miles.
Overall, this is among the best fuel-cell vehicles that we've expreienced. Actually a 2003 model, it's one of more than 100 fuel-cell vehicles that DaimlerChrysler has developed. This particular A-Class model accounts for 60 of the existing fuel-cell cars. All told, they've traveled some 2 million miles.
Only a single real flaw turns up when driving one of these models. After a few miles behind the wheel, we don't want to give it back. Of course, if we simply drove off into the sunset, there might be a bit of trouble when it ran out of hydrogen in less than a hundred miles.
Will such cars ever make it to real-world roads in significant numbers? No telling at this point, but this Mercedes-Benz model is fun to drive and enticing, as well as sending a possible signal for an alternative-fuel future.
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