More filling stations for hydrogen, fuel cell vehicles

Germany is spending more than 40 million Euros to build a network of filling stations for hydrogen and fuel cell cars. The network is to be completed by 2015, when hydrogen and fuel cell cars are expected to be widely available.

Mercedes-Benz already offers a zero-emission fuel cell B-Class compact, called the F-Cell, already is available for leasing in Germany and in California. The Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan also is available for leasing in California. The FCX Clarity won the Green Car of the Year Award in 2009.

I’ve test driven both, along with the Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell demonstration vehicle. They all handle like like traditional gas-powered vehicles, with plenty of torque for acceleration. But they have the sound of silence of a hybrid or electric.

Mercedes also took the F-Cell on an around-the-world test drive in 2011, to demonstrate its usability.

The hydrogen filling stations are being focused on the corridors connecting German cities. Just as with electric cars, it’s a case of chicken and egg – you can’t have the cars without places to refuel them. Building a network of hydrogen filling stations will help eliminate what’s called “range anxiety” – the fear of running out of fuel. 

Many of these filling stations will be added to existing fueling stations, so depending on the type of vehicle you drive, you fill up at the pump that dispenses gas, diesel or hydrogen.

Prof. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, says, "Electric vehicles equipped with a battery and fuel cell will make a considerable contribution to sustainable mobility in the future. However, the success of fuel cell technology depends crucially on certain conditions being in place, such as the availability of a nationwide hydrogen infrastructure. Because it is very customer-friendly – with its great range and short refilling times – fuel cell technology has enormous potential for massively advancing Germany on its path to becoming the lead market for electric mobility.”

Find more green car and green travel articles by Green Car Examiner Evelyn Kanter on ecoXplorer.

Hydrogen, fuel cell, electric, hybrid, diesel or gas? Which one is right for you?

Examiner