While the refueling stations aren’t widely available yet, when they are, the desire to buy a fuel cell vehicle should increase exponentially. These vehicles are the perfect solution to the problem between an internal combustion engine and an electric car. They offer you the same zero emissions that you want in an electric car while also giving you the range you need to avoid driving an electric car. With that in mind, here are some things you should know when it’s time for you to buy your fuel cell vehicle.
Quick Fill – A hydrogen fuel cell can be refilled just as quickly as a typical gas tank. This is where the fuel cell vehicles shine because it takes no longer to refill these vehicles than it does to actually pump a tank of gasoline. This makes for a huge advantage considering recharging times.
Familiar Range – The range of an FCV will give you the same 250 to 300 miles that you’re used to on your car or truck. That makes the experience similar to the one you already have but in a vehicle that’s much more eco-friendly than your gasoline guzzler. Using the most plentiful element in the universe is a great way to enjoy the ride.
Quiet Ride – Similar to an electric vehicle, an FCV offers you a nearly silent operation of the engine. This makes for a completely different feeling on the road than what you’re used to from your gasoline engine. When you listen closely all you’ll really hear in an FCV is the sound of the tires on the road as you ride along.
No Explosions – Toyota took great pains to make sure the Mirai wouldn’t explode because the thought of a hydrogen powered vehicle puts the picture of the Hindenburg in many minds. Remember, the Apollo space ship was powered by hydrogen as well. The tanks are rigged with sensors to stop the flow when a collision is detected and hydrogen dissipates quickly in the air.
Infrastructure – The infrastructure is coming as more stations for hydrogen are being built. Right now there are nearly 48 of these stations in California but you can expect the stations will continue to be built eastward as the drive for this clean burning fuel becomes more popular. Once this begins, FCV models may be what replace gasoline models.
Subsidized – The early stages of any product makes it expensive and in need of assistance to catch on. For this reason the state of California offers $5,000 in rebates and the federal government gives $8,000 for the purchase of any FCV. Even manufacturers offer rebates to give you a great deal on this new technology.
Normal – The FCV models on the road are similar in size to your normal gasoline vehicle. Unlike the electric vehicles, there’s no need for added gadgetry or increased aerodynamics to fool us in to range saving practices. FCV models can be driven the way you would any other car and enjoyed the same way, just powered differently.
Attention Getters – When someone hears the lack of noise from under the hood they will wonder what you’re driving and how it’s powered. Expect to receive a lot of questions and have the answers to share with others so they too can purchase their own FCV and enjoy driving an environmentally friendly vehicle that’s perfect for the ride.
The Future – Because of the advantages these cars have over EVs they should be the future. While the infrastructure isn’t in place yet, there’s no reason we won’t see FCV models as a popular choice in the next several years to give us the drive we want and the emissions that help keep our air clean.
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