Bob Lutz has always been fairly outspoken on where he stands in the automotive industry. The topic of fuel cells is no different, according to a new report from WardsAuto.
Following his statements in his book Car Guys vs. Bean Counters, where Lutz stated fuel cells were “single-minded, heavy financial commitments” and “too far out on the time horizon, robbing [General Motors] of the research funds needed to create more viable near-term solutions”, he reaffirmed his distaste.
Lutz feels they still are not practical solutions and stated each program in development merely exists to meet California’s zero-emissions vehicle mandate.
Development will continue to provide “a disproportionately favorable number of ZEV credits that can supplement those earned from selling battery EVs” per Lutz, and the “money-losing” programs will be financed through higher starting prices on vehicles consumers are actually buying, like luxury crossovers and SUVs.
GM continues to move forward with its Honda partnership for fuel cell technology, and more recently, GM announced it will unveil a fuel cell-powered Chevrolet Colorado pickup for the U.S military.
Comments
He is right.
I have driven the Fuel Cell pictured here and it was a great vehicle. But the issues are going to be cost and the ability to refuel about anywhere and the time it takes to transfer liquid Hydrogen.
I expect they will continue to work on this but it will take much more time and expansion to make this a ready for prime time deal. I expect electric cars will be much more common 20 years before Cells will.
I can see cells being used for other things and it could help speed development and lower cost for Auto’s.
If it were only the need for being fully drive able they would be ready to go but with refueling and cost being the issues it will slow things much.
That is all true bur for now, the Fuel Cell Equinox is the longest ranging electric vehicle, more than any of Tesla motors products.