Now that automakers have proven with the success of hybrid vehicles that consumers want less polluting tailpipes, they're switching to a greener path. An article in Chemistry & Engineering News, the weekly news magazine of the American Chemical Society, explains how hydrogen could replace hybrid and electric vehicle technology and even one day contribute to the demise of the gasoline engine.

　　C&EN senior editor Melody M. Bomgardner pointed out that the first batch of fuel cell vehicles will be sold in Japan and then begin sales in California. Although Toyota is the only company preparing to sell fuel cell vehicles soon, other companies are investing billions in the technology.

　　Hyundai, General Motors, Honda and Daimler have all announced plans to launch their own hydrogen vehicles in the near future. The first cars will cost consumers about $70,000, but this marks a 95% reduction in system costs in less than 10 years. As technology improves further, automakers expect prices to drop to more affordable levels.

　　But does this translate into actual advantages for consumers? Hydrogen-powered cars take just three minutes to fully charge compared to fully electric cars. Fuel cell vehicles can travel 400 miles on a single charge, which is less than a hybrid vehicle, but without the pollution emissions.

　　Although electric vehicles also boast zero tailpipe emissions, they will have a tough time competing against such models. Given these advantages, some experts believe hydrogen fuel cells could one day surpass hybrid, electric or even internal combustion engine technologies.

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