Green Energy News | January 6, 1997

January 6, 1997 – Vol.1 No.40

ENERGIES... week of January 6,1997

CHRYSLER’S GASOLINE FUEL CELL. On-board processing of gasoline will provide hydrogen to power near-emission-free fuel cells in a new idea under development at Chrysler Corp. Fuel cells have long been promoted as the ultimate energy source for electric automobiles of the future. However, aside from fuel cells being expensive to produce, storage of hydrogen in the car and at a filling station is difficult at best.

Chrysler’s solution is continue using the current worldwide sales and distribution infrastructure for gasoline, but chemically remove the hydrogen from gasoline as you drive. Chrysler’s feeling is that there is too much invested in the fossil fuel network to throw it all away or to make expensive necessary conversions. High fuel cell costs would drop when mass produced

The fuel cell, the gasoline fuel processor, batteries, and electric drive motor could all fit into a mid-size sedan such as the look-alike Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde and Eagle Vision. Drivers could experience a near-doubling of fuel economy and 90% cleaner emissions.

While CO2, a greenhouse gas (and not considered a toxic emission), is still produced in the hydrogen extraction process, better overall fuel economy should still make significant reductions in the total amount produced. The question of imported oil would also be considered for those factoring in energy independence or trade deficits.

PLUGGING IN ELECTRICS. In an alliance similar to that with General Motors, Edison EV of Southern California will work with American Honda to set up charging stations for lease customers of Honda’s EV PLUS, which will hit the California market this spring. Like the GM deal, Edison will offer one-stop shopping to include equipment, permits, rapid response for installations and 24 hour emergency help.

The nickel-metal-hydride batteries in the EV PLUS are charged by an on-board 220V conductive charging system. The GM EV1 uses an inductive system.

LOW ON GAS. According to the American Automobile Association, gasoline and crude oil stocks are lowest they’ve been since the oil embargo of 1973-74. The concern is that a cold winter could cause shortages and thus higher prices later in the year. The AAA doesn’t think low inventories are intentional, but hopes the U.S. Department of Energy will encourage industries to build up their supplies.