First Name: | Mark |
---|---|
Last Name: | Sheldon |
Email Address: | msheldon.hb@gmail.com |
Affiliation | |
Subject | Encouraging Hydrogen / Fuel Cell Education and Infrastructure Support |
Comment |
The inclusion of hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the VW ZEV investments commitment is to be encouraged. Furthermore, this should not be a token investment but ideally at a rate higher than the early estimates of fuel cell vehicles relative to battery electric vehicles, because of the infrastructure challenges involved. Fuel cells are a mature technology with their own advantages, but support for their growing fueling network and for the public education about them are critical to their potential for success. Public Education and Outreach needs to address key points of understanding that hydrogen / Fuel Cell vehicles are on a par with other vehicles for safety; are rapidly becoming more available (particularly in California); and that a significant fraction of the Hydrogen to fuel them is already being produced from renewable sources (as mandated by California) with that more renewable hydrogen sources being developed towards a fully renewable hydrogen future. Hydrogen Infrastructure is also important and whatever VW can do to support it in a way that is fair to the market competitors is of value. This support could include station and fuel delivery infrastructure. Support for the placement of more hydrogen fueling stations covering all parts of, and in areas (including those identified as disadvantaged) where initial station coverage is still sparse will help enable the viability of fuel cell vehicles for the entire public as they become more affordable and widely available. Although I do not speak for any organization apart from my own business, I believe it is safe to say that the professional hydrogen / fuel cell organizations stand ready to lend their expertise to help making a mature hydrogen infrastructure and an a program deployed to educate the public a reality. |
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Date and Time Comment Was Submitted: 2016-12-20 09:31:51 |
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