Honda's Steve Ellis on Hydrogen Fuel Cells

I spoke with Honda’s Steve Ellis yesterday about the position I took in my book re: hydrogen fuel-cell-based cars. Steve is a vocal proponent for this controversial technology, and his job, I’ve come to learn, involves busily correcting misinformation on the subject – of which there is plenty.

His position is that all technologies that have the potential to help move us toward clean energy and transportation should be on the table for discussion, and that the advocates of batteries should be as supportive of hydrogen as the hydrogen people are of batteries. As I knew he would, he took exception to my position I took in my book (and that of the spokesperson for EPRI) that hydrogen as a fuel source is inherently inefficient, and that the infrastructure by which fuel would be delivered lags too far behind electricity.

Steve points out that the four-to-one advantage of fuel energy to kinetic energy in battery-electrics vs. fuel-cells applies only in the very worst case scenario – one that no one is seriously suggesting. He also notes that Honda would not make a bet like this if they didn’t think they were going to win.

I can see these points, but I don’t know, Steve. You’re obviously a dedicated, knowledgeable and honest professional. But, as I’ve often said, I hope you’re paid well; you certainly deserve to be given the size of the task you so energetically take on.