Hydrogen Green Car Technology: Viable Alternative?

Our search for greener automobiles is just in its infancy, despite almost a century of research and development. In fact, because of the world's reliance on oil and other fossil fuels for decades, we really have not needed, as a society, to take alternative vehicle fuels seriously. Until the recent findings about diminishing supplies and oil peak information began trickling down to the public, having a hybrid vehicle or a car driven with other green technology was mostly a fad and nothing more.As our concerns about the environmental impact of cars and trucks become more urgent and as we realize that individually we have to make statements with our spending dollars, we look to green auto technology. Companies which focus on this niche will have a bright future, assuming they can develop and bring to market vehicles which are both effective - meaning good range, less or no emissions and good fuel economy if applicable - and affordable.Cars driven by hydrogen are one alternative being tabled, and while this is a fascinating technology, especially as it produces only water as a by-product, it too involves burning fuel and is not particularly efficient. Additionally, hydrogen is very flammable and this causes understandable concerns for public safety. Perhaps more promising is the use of hydrogen in fuel cells, rather than just the use of straight hydrogen.  Fuel cells capture and convert hydrogen into usable energy, and the technology is very promising, not just for vehicles but for an endless array of energy needs.Hydrogen cars as an alternative are not readily available to the public. You will see prototypes in commercials, documentaries and possibly at more progessive auto shows, but to purchase one you will likely need to wait some time. The research and development is slow because it is very expensive, and also because it is not the only technology upon which car manufacturers are focusing. As with any successful new technology, critical mass of consumer understanding and demand, large marketing campaigns and cost-effectiveness of delivery to market (read profit potentials) need to be in place before you'll see these everywhere. Green cars as a niche is an exciting and growing arena, and can only help our beautiful planet as we find and implement new ways to get around that have less of a carbon footprint. Ultimately, sustainable and clean technology is the only way to a better future for all of us.