http://www.evworld.com/view.cfm?section=co...que&newsid=7462 While Toyota distances itself from a fuel cell commercialization timetable, GM is sticking to its 2010 target. Auto manufacturers' views on fuel cell commercialization seem to show growing discrepancies as they continue improving fuel cell systems. To understand where the auto companies are headed, one needs to read between the lines of their announcements. While Toyota emphasizes the technological challenges ahead of fuel cell systems ... The automaker ... also strongly believes that its hybrid technology will succeed across a variety of its vehicle platforms, from SUVs to trucks. Since the company already has the edge on almost all of its competitors (arguably except Honda) in hybrid technology, it is only prudent to extend its technology lead into a commercial advantage in years to come. This will not slow the company's fuel cell technology R&D, as the company has plenty of financial muscle for technology development, but it will not put Toyota into the most aggressive position to secure fuel cell commercialization. However the company will enjoy leading status as it shapes further technological improvements and generates revenue by licensing its hybrid technology to competitors such as Ford and Nissan. Elsewhere things are radically different, particularly at Toyota's most important competitor, General Motors.
In regards to where Toyota is on the race to a hydrogen fuel cell car, I've tended to credit what the Scientific American PBS special said : A hydrogen fuel cell car is basically an electric car -- with electrical current being generated by <one of several> types of hydrogen fuel cell engines. And one of the essential technologies in these cars is switching between several different power sources. So Toyota's experience with developing full hybrids -- particular the power switching technology -- is a major leg up to hydrogen fuel cell auto technology, if and when it arrives. And I also think they're saavy in pointing out that the market for hydrogen fuel cell cars isn't going to be high until there's an infrastructure. (Well, duh!)
As I read about GM's role in building an infrastructure, my only thught was about whether they would be able to privatize it once it's built. That is to say, Once they've put millions of dollars into working with people and setting up the delivery stations, will they allow others to use it or will they not want to share the fruits of their labor? Of course, they would be forced to share which seems to promote the idea that it's better to be the second one on the scene after the first one has done all the hard work. Did that make sense?
Nope, didn't make a bit of sense to me. However, I'll try to interject what I think I've gleaned from your post. If you are referring to building a hydrogen fuel infrastructure, then you can bet that they would want to maximize the availability to any and all vehicles. This further pads their bottom line. If they fully fund, and develop this infrastructure, then you can also bet that they will hold the asssets privately. They will want to do this, so they can reoup the R&D costs, and they would be right for wanting to do so. Did I get it right? :mrgreen:
Pretty much, yeah. It's just that if the first developer of the hydrogen car must build the refueling infrastructure, the second developer doesn't have to. Personally, I'd rather be the second person.
I am far from being an expert, but I think that hydrogen is a very very long ways away. I think that GM has jumped to where the federal free money is so that they can play with the gov'ts money while doing R&D. But that's just my opinion.
